GDI acts as catalyst for cooperation, diplomats say

The Global Development Initiative, with its significant progress and early outcomes, has become a catalyst for international development cooperation and presents an "excellent, inclusive and transparent" platform to share best practices, said senior diplomats from China and other developing countries.

Addressing a ceremony on Tuesday to release a report on the GDI's progress, Ma Zhaoxu, vice-minister of foreign affairs, said the initiative has followed the trends of the times, aligned with the demands of other developing countries and marked a major contribution to the global cause of development.

Ma listed the challenges global development is facing, including a sluggish economic recovery, geopolitical conflicts, climate change and food and energy crises, and said the developing world now has a stronger-than-ever desire for cooperation and growth.