[China Daily] Global digital technology cooperation urged, event told

Officials and experts called on Monday for further cooperation between China and French-speaking countries on the digital economy and technology.

The remarks were made at a roundtable event focusing on digitalization and sustainable development jointly held by the embassy of Tunisia and the Center for China and Globalization, or CCG, in Beijing.

Mustapha Abid, charge d’affaires ad interim at the Tunisian embassy in China, said digital technology is a vital tool to connect people, governments and entities worldwide.

“We can’t achieve sustainable development if we don’t open the door for digital economy,” said Abid, adding that it is also important for Francophone countries and China to further cooperate in this field.

The meeting came just days before the 18th Francophonie Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Tunisia at the end of November.

Wang Huiyao, president of the CCG, called for international efforts in digitalization against the backdrop of mounting global uncertainty.

“We are in a very challenging time … the energy crisis, climate change,” he said. “But we really have to work together.”

China does really want to work with francophone countries for the better future of the world, Wang added.

Alain Wong Yen Cheong, the Republic of Mauritius’ ambassador to China, said Mauritius, as well as other French-speaking countries, and China have great potential for more cooperation in digital economy and technology.

Digitalization will lay a foundation for economic growth, and Mauritius has been deploying 5G network and will continue to boost digitalization, he said, adding that China is a key player in the area and is determined to promote international cooperation.

He hoped that China could spearhead global efforts in digital development and facilitate international cooperation in this regard.

From China Daily， 2022-11-15