China’s official media outlets to open offices at Qatar Media City

Chinese official media outlets will open offices at the new Media City in Qatar, Chinese ambassador Zhou Jian has said.At a recent meeting with local media representatives, he also stressed the need for more positive co-operation between Qatari media outlets and Chinese media to introduce the everyday developments and lives of people of both countries to each other from first-hand, reliable sources. He said this would further enhance mutual understanding and good relations at all levels. Meanwhile, the ambassador praised the atmosphere of safety, security and stability in the country, which has positively reflected on the development achieved in all fields, thereby improving the lives of the inhabitants. “Qatar has become a hot destination for Chinese people who hear about the country and its magnificent achievements in different fields, sports in particular, from the media. Most of them would like to visit the country for tourism and business as well. Besides, it is very easy for them now with the mutual visa exemption of the citizens of the two countries. They can just buy an air ticket and come here hassle-free,” he said.The envoy also hoped for a quick resolution of the ongoing GCC crisis and for normalcy to return to the Gulf countries through the reopening of borders and resumption of direct flights between them. He observed that while this would be a positive development for all the GCC countries, it would also be a good news for the Chinese people wishing to come to the region as it would save them time and effort while moving from one sate to the other.“China is a strategic partner in terms of people-to-people exchanges. China and Qatar are now facilitating the establishment of a Chinese cultural centre and the Confucius Academy. Once completed, these would profoundly enrich the relations between our two countries,” he said.While stressing the importance of peace and stability and law and order for national development and achievements, he regretted the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong, which he described as becoming violent and detrimental to the lives of ordinary people besides constituting serious risks to the progress of development there.“This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. In the past 22 years, under the ‘one-country, two-systems’ principle as well as the principle of ‘Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong’ with a high degree of autonomy, we have made remarkable achievements. In 2018, Hong Kong’s GDP was HK$2.66tn, having doubled the growth rate of 1996,” he explained. “Hong Kong has become one of the most competitive regions and been rated as the world’s freest economy for 25 years. Its business environment and tourism resources are widely welcomed. Investment, commodities and tourists from all over the world come to Hong Kong. “According to relevant reports, foreign investment in Hong Kong reached $104bn in 2017, ranking third in the world. In 2018, the number of mainland visitors to Hong Kong exceeded 65mn, an increase of about six times compared with 22 years ago.” Accordingly, he emphasised the right of the Chinese authorities to restore law and order in Hong Kong for the good of the people and their future prosperity.“The ‘one country, two systems’ principle to maintain Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability will never change. We are not afraid of any threats and intimidation,” he added.