On Thursday, September 5, 2024
After a thoughtful breakfast at the hotel, carefully selecting halal food items, we visited our host organization, China Economic Net (CEN), which is a part of Economic Daily, Beijing. Upon reaching the headquarters of China Economic Net, we were warmly welcomed by Cui Jun, President of CEN, along with Ms. Yin Yanan, Director of CEN. Raja Anis, host of Metro TV, and other delegates presented a bouquet to the President. After that, Mr. Cui took us on a tour of the CEN offices, which exceeded our expectations. The President briefed us in detail about each section and answered the delegates’ questions.
Economic Daily, Beijing
during the visit of the offices of the CEN. — Photo by Zhang Peng
Economic Daily is a leading state-run newspaper in China that focuses on economic and financial news, policies, and developments. Established in January 1983, it is one of the most influential publications in the country, offering in-depth analysis, reports, and commentary on China’s economic landscape. The newspaper serves as a key source of information for policymakers, business leaders, and international observers, providing insights into the Chinese government’s economic strategies, market trends, and the broader economic environment. Headquartered in Beijing, Economic Daily is known for its authoritative and reliable coverage of economic matters.
In response to a question, Mr. Cui mentioned that the circulation of Economic Daily exceeds 1.2 million, with each copy priced at one yuan. The editorial staff consists of around 600 members, while the total staff exceeds 1,000, all enjoying attractive salaries and benefits. He also revealed that the Economic Daily Group plays an important role in boosting China’s economy, and last year, President Xi Jinping acknowledged their contribution in a message of appreciation.
China Economic Net (CEN)
China Economic Net (CEN) is a comprehensive economic information platform under the People’s Daily Group. CEN provides real-time economic and financial news, reports, and analysis, covering a wide range of topics, including macroeconomic trends, financial markets, international trade, and industry developments. With a strong team of experienced journalists and analysts, CEN aims to be a trusted source of economic intelligence for both domestic and international audiences. The platform promotes China’s economic reforms and development policies, contributing to global discussions on economics and finance.
CEN also plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between China and the world by offering multilingual content, including sections in English, Arabic, and other languages. This helps to enhance cross-border communication and foster economic cooperation between China and the global community. The President of CEN informed us that CEN has offices in 26 countries worldwide.
After touring the offices of CEN, Mr. Cui treated us to tea and moon cakes in honor of the Moon Festival.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the delegation members presented Mr. Cui with a Jinnah cap and Ajrak. I presented him with my second book on China ‘Amazing China’, along with a copy of the supplement from The Financial Daily, which was published on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and featured 100 quotations from President Xi Jinping. Shazia Hasan from Dawn and Rida Saifee from K21 presented an Ajrak to Ms. Yin Yanan, Director of International Cooperation at CEN. Mr. Cui then graciously presented gifts from CEN to all delegation members and saw us off at our car.
Badaling Great Wall
After the well-informed and amazing visit to CEN, our hosts from CEN, who had been accompanying us since our arrival in Beijing yesterday (Wednesday), took us for lunch at the Chinese Muslim restaurant, Tu Lu Fan. After enjoying a sumptuous meal, our hosts – Kie Tee, Wilson Xiong, Doudou Liao, and Zhang – took us on another exciting visit to the Badaling Great Wall, which was about an hour and a half from Beijing.
Badaling Great Wall is one of the most well-preserved and popular sections of the Great Wall of China, located in the Beijing Municipality, about 80 kilometers northwest of Beijing’s city center. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this section held strategic significance for defending the capital against invasions.
Badaling is renowned for its impressive construction, scenic views, and historical importance. It was the first section of the Great Wall to open to the public in 1957, making it one of the most visited and accessible parts of the Wall. The area features restored walkways, watchtowers, and fortifications, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s ancient defensive architecture. Its accessibility and breathtaking views make Badaling a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Beijing’s cultural and historical heritage.
The portion of the wall at Badaling has undergone restoration, and in 1957, it became the first section to open for tourism. Now visited annually by millions, the area has seen significant development, including hotels, restaurants, and a cable car.
Before the cable car ride at the Badaling section, our host team took us to the Monument of Pak-China Friendship. The monument features inscriptions in Urdu, Chinese, and English, which read:
“A PORTION OF THE GREAT WALL FROM NORTH TOWER 6-7 WAS RESTORED THROUGH A FRIENDLY DONATION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN AS A TOKEN OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN PAKISTAN & CHINA.
HIS EXCELLENCY MR. M. AKRAM ZAKI, AMBASSADOR OF PAKISTAN TO CHINA, UNVEILED THIS PLAQUE ON 20.3.1989.”
We, the delegates, felt immense pride visiting this monument and took several photos. Some Chinese visitors also joined us for the photography. In China, Pakistan always receives great honor from the Chinese people when they learn we are from Pakistan.
Afterward, we enjoyed a cable car ride and spent some time on the Great Wall. After this remarkable visit, we enjoyed a Pakistani meal at a Chinese Muslim restaurant called Khan Baba BBQ, run by a man from Peshawar. It offered a full range of desi Pakistani dishes and even served mixed tea (doodhpati).
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