China unveils new development blueprint, pledges deeper cooperation with Sri Lanka

Colombo, Nov.22 (Daily Mirror) - China’s Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party has introduced a new development blueprint that will open fresh avenues for global partnership—including stronger cooperation with Sri Lanka—the Chinese Ambassador to Colombo said yesterday (21).

Speaking at a briefing at the Shangri-La Hotel, the Ambassador said the session adopted recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which will guide the country’s economic and social development over the next five years. The plan prioritises high-quality growth, technological innovation, green transition and improving living standards.

Highlighting progress made under the 14th Five-Year Plan, he said China recorded an average annual growth rate of around 5.5 percent, with its GDP expected to exceed USD 19 trillion by 2025, contributing nearly 30 percent to global economic growth. Advances in renewable energy, innovation and poverty reduction had also accelerated, with China now home to over 500,000 high-tech enterprises.

The Ambassador stressed that the 15th Five-Year Plan also places strong emphasis on expanding international cooperation, noting that Sri Lanka remains an important partner in China’s development outreach and the Belt and Road Initiative. He said China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, investment needs and long-term development priorities while strengthening bilateral collaboration across trade, infrastructure, technology and green growth.