Vice President Mills hosts dinner for Chinese counterpart

Accra (Greater Accra), 28 Jan '99 - Vice President John Atta Mills yesterday acknowledged the solidarity and continued support that Ghana has enjoyed from the People's Republic of China, saying it has helped to push the country forward. He recalled the socio-political and economic problems that the country has had to grapple with as a result of the economic recovery programme and said Ghana has been able to sail through significantly due to support of friendly countries like China. Professor Mills was proposing a toast at a state dinner he hosted in honour of the visiting Chinese Vice President, Mr Hu Jintao in Accra. Mr Hu arrived in Ghana on Tuesday at the head of a 30-member delegation, on a tour of some African countries to strengthen economic, social as well as political co-operation. It will also afford the two countries the opportunity to take stock of their relations and exchange ideas about ways in which they could deepen co-operation to their mutual benefit. The dinner, marked with colourful traditional drumming and dancing, was attended by dignitaries including the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Justice D.F. Annan, Members of the Council of State, Ministers of state, MPs from both the ruling and opposition parties, diplomats and security chiefs. Vice-President Mills said the presence of such a high-powered delegation in Ghana reinforces the cordial and friendly relations between the two sides. Ghana was among the first few African countries to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1961 Prof. Mills reiterated the government's goal of attaining the status of a middle income nation by the year 2020 and called for support by way of foreign investment from China to help achieve the set goals. He said government has created highly competitive incentives for investors, citing the free zone programme "that provides real advantages to Chinese industrialists who wish to gain access to West African and indeed the African markets". Prof. Mills said despite the present situation of financial instability in Asia, the Chinese economy remains buoyant and strong. He attributed this feat to measures taken by the Chinese government, including the enactment of a new law, to control its stock exchange and to ensure that its annual economic growth rate will not fall below eight per cent. "Ghana will be happy to learn from the Chinese experience since the crisis is not limited to Asia alone." On the international scene, Professor Mills appealed to China, in her capacity as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to exert maximum force on the use of dialogue as a means of settling conflicts among nations. He said Ghana believes that peace and stability are absolutely necessary for economic growth, as this leads to the well being of the people and asked countries involved in conflicts to make compromises that would avoid the outbreak of war. "Ghana does not agree with those who seem to suggest that under certain situations, war is inevitable. No problem is so intractable that with good faith, will and effort it cannot be resolved peacefully.'' Responding to the toast, Mr Hu lauded Ghana's strive towards development saying the country has gained high recognition as the gateway to West Africa. The commitment of the government and the people, and their hospitality, has been overwhelming, the Chinese Vice President said, adding that he will tell the story of the Ghanaian hospitality everywhere. Mr Hu paid tribute to first President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah for his role in the liberation of Africa, as well as his efforts to develop the continent saying these efforts were not in vain. He also commended the government under the leadership of President Jerry John Rawlings for going through the odds to ensure a steady growth and stability. He pledged his country's preparedness to assist any country in Africa to develop, citing China's foreign policy which he said focuses greatly on solidarity with developing nations. Mr Hu urged developing countries, particularly in Africa to remain steadfast to meet the severe challenges ahead as a result of the globalisation process. The Chinese Vice President and his entourage leave Accra today for Abidjan, Ivory Coast and later South Africa.