KARACHI, April 6: The greatest feat performed in the contemporary history is providing three hundred million people a handsome means of livelihood. China is the country which has performed this phenomenal task.

These views were expressed by ambassador (rtd) Najmul Saqib Khan while delivering an extension lecture on “The rise of China as an emerging superpower,” held under the auspices of Karachi University Teachers Society and International Relations Department of Karachi University at arts auditorium on Thursday.

KU Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Akhlaq Ahmed while presiding over the programme said that it was indispensable to study China, as it was the greatest and fastest growing economy in the world and called for having a profitable and sustainable economic exchange with China.

In his lecture ambassador Najmul Saqib Khan stressed upon the factors which have led to the gigantic rise of China as a strong economic player. Foremost among the factors of development-for him-is compulsory primary education.

He said that the process of Chinese development did not begin overnight it started with prudent and pragmatic policy making. He said Chinese economy, unlike other economies, was not dependent upon foreign aid. “China is the largest recipient of foreign investment. By creating more than 6,000 industrial zones, China has greatly accelerated the economic growth of the country,” he said.

“China appears to have avoided the calamitous path that Soviet Union traversed,” he observed.

KUTS President Sarwar Naseem, in his welcome address, highlighted the significance of Chinese growth process and its implications for the rest of the world. KUTS Secretary Dr Aqeel Ahmed also spoke.

Prof Moonis Ahmar in his introductory remarks illuminated the fault lines present in the Chinese body politics, which were to be properly addressed if China was to have a smooth economic and social growth.