Whole-process people's democracy showcases China's governance efficiency: Pakistani ambassador

BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The ongoing "two sessions" is an illustration of whole-process people's democracy, said Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhuanet.

Noting that the "two sessions" have extensively built consensus across sectors with efficient consultation and smooth operation, an illustration of whole-process people's democracy, Hashmi, who has been invited to the "two sessions" three times, underscored China's unique and successful political system centered on fostering a whole-process people's democracy.

He said this is a homegrown model that suits China's culture, ethos, history, and experiences, and has successfully met the aspirations and needs of the people. 

Describing it as a well-oiled "machine" with remarkable outcomes, Hashmi highlighted that China's per capita GDP exceeds 13,000 U.S. dollars, and over 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty, remarkable development dividends achieved in the shortest time in human history, which is attributed to the consensus-building mechanism of China.

He added that China's governance experience offers a valuable reference for developing countries exploring a democratic path suited to their own conditions.

Hashmi spoke highly of the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, a key topic at this year's "two sessions," noting that it serves as a blueprint for China to set its targets, goals, and priorities on the social and economic fronts. 

The ambassador identified scientific and technological innovation, modernization, and new quality productive forces as pivotal anchors that will chart the course for China's development over the next five years.

He pointed out that China's five-year plans are distinctive for both continuity and flexibility, maintaining strategic resolve to ensure stability and long-term development while adjusting dynamically to changes at home and abroad to respond to challenges, serving as a key foundation for China's steady and sustained progress.

On China's high-level opening-up, Hashmi pointed out that China has continuously eased market access in services, finance, and tourism, improved its business environment, and provided stable expectations for foreign-funded enterprises. 

The latest data from the administration indicates that in 2025, China expanded its unilateral visa-free access, allowing citizens of 48 countries to enter without a visa, while the number of countries offering reciprocal visa exemptions rose to 29.

He hailed China's enhanced visa-free and travel facilitation measures, which continued to boost international travel and promote people-to-people exchanges worldwide.

Hashmi remarked that China's achievements in green and digital technologies are benefiting other parts of the world at affordable prices. 

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China. 

On future bilateral cooperation, Hashmi said the two countries will prioritize cooperation in four key areas: agriculture, science and information technology, mining and minerals, as well as industrialization and personnel training. 

As the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Pakistan-China cooperation will deepen in traditional areas, integrate talent development with investment, and achieve higher-level mutual benefit and win-win results, the ambassador added.