by Seare Habtemichael Luul
ASS. Head of Division, Senior Journalist and Director of Ministry of Information, Eritrea
Ever since my childhood, an impressive Chinese proverb always rang in my ears. It is a famous saying that no one would forget among my friends. To put it right: “Don’t give a man a fish, but teach him how to fish.” This message might sound simple, but what I believe, personally, is this idea is the jumping spring of modern powerful China.
This impressive proverb has always been in my mind. This year, again, on my way doing may immigration process to attend the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum, I received an E-mail from the secretariat of the organizing committee, from among the list of the agenda, recommending international guests not to tip any Chinese taxi drivers or hotel staff for it is not customary in the country. This again is very impressive to me for a wise reason that one should not expect gifts and tips so that he/she would not be involved in corruption.
My in-depth insight of China, however, is yet to come. The 2024 Belt and Road Journalist Forum, was to be held in Chongqing, but it was not without reason. Upon my arrival in Chongqing International Airport, the most dazzling and glamourous structure was the first to welcome our long and relaxing flight. As we walk inside for an immigration inspection, we enjoyed the fastest service from the most disciplined security and staff workers. In no time, right at the exit of the airport, we were hugged by members of the organizing committee of the forum.
There was no time to wait, accompanied by our contacts, a couple of comfortable buses drove us along the smooth, tranquil, and well-lit streets of Chongqing city, and eventually taken to a huge majestic hotel, Wyndham Chongqing Yuelai.
Exploring Chongqing was one of the program agendas of the forum. Hence, in the morning, after a delicious breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel, we were taken to explore the program agendas of the day. That day was the most enjoyable and striking day. When we were driven to observe the planning and design of the city, some extraordinary thing struck in my mind. A mixture of fillings came into my senses. The plan and design of the city appeared to me an art work of some heavenly entities. I could not even imagine such a city in my deep late-night dreams. Astounding and colorful lights from countless directions; dancing bridges intertwined all along the structures; thousands of magnificently decorated sky-touching structures appeared to showcase the new day of humanity.
Chongqing, without any doubt, is the birth place of new life. It is the nest of ancient civilization; home to Dazu cultural heritage, and the central spot to the art of antique art of world rock carvings. The well-known Tang Dynasty, the birth place of the sculptural art of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism Carvings.
Besides, the Dazu district of the Chongqing is gifted with beautiful natural landscape and vegetation, which is a potential tourist attraction. This is again enriched with transport links that suits all forms of business activities. After all, Chongqing, is the center of fuel-free vehicles, and home to Green Belt initiatives. That is why it is also blessed to be the gateway municipal site. And that is why it has become the right hub to the world logistics. Chongqing, an exalted city, perfect metropolitan, and an exact site for the common good of humanity.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.