At the Boao Forum in the Chinese mainland’s Hainan Province, Columbia University economist Jeffrey Sachs sat down with CMG’s Zou Yun to discuss the Chinese mainland’s evolving role on the world stage. With four decades of firsthand engagement, Sachs offers a deep dive into development milestones and future pathways.
Reflecting on his early work in the region, Sachs highlights the scale of economic transformation: “What we’ve seen is unprecedented growth lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty,” he notes, underscoring the importance of data-driven insights for sustainable policymaking.
On the Belt and Road Initiative, Sachs praises its ambition but urges more transparency and environmental safeguards. He argues that true success will depend on forging local partnerships and aligning infrastructure goals with global sustainability targets.
Turning to China-U.S. relations, Sachs calls for pragmatic cooperation in areas like climate change and technology standards. He warns that a tech divide could stall innovation and advocates for joint research platforms to bridge gaps.
Looking ahead, Sachs stresses global inequality as the chief challenge. “We need new models of collaboration that honor cultural differences and leverage collective expertise,” he says. His closing message is clear: in an uncertain world, thoughtful dialogue and shared data will pave the way for lasting cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
