The Star: September 21, 2017

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24 Thursday September 21 2017 Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi The Star ELECTION COUNTDOWN Looking for another ‘historic’ National win Nicky Wagner, National MP and Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration FORTY-TWO years ago I voted in a general election for the first time. November 29, 1975, was a historic election – National’s Robert Muldoon delivered a landslide victory and went on to serve three terms as prime minister. It was historic for another reason too – it was the first time 18 and 19-year-olds were able to vote. Just over 82 per of all eligible voters had their say on the future direction of New Zealand that day. Fast-forward to 2014, and just shy of 77 per cent of eligible voters actually cast their ballot. On Saturday, I’m hoping for a much better turnout here in Christchurch Central and all over the country. It’s been great to see so many people – of all ages – taking an active interest in the election. After all, politicians aren’t the only people passionate about our country and our future. This is your chance to decide the make-up of Parliament and who represents you for the next three years. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you do, your vote counts. This election might also be a historic one. National is running for a fourth term in office to ensure Christchurch and New Zealand stay on the right path – one of economic prosperity and opportunity for all. We have a proven track record of delivering for New Zealanders and a clear plan to continue doing just that. We’ll further lift family incomes, deliver more jobs and build world-class infrastructure to support growth. National also has a clear plan for Christchurch. We know the challenges but we also know the opportunities, and we have the vision to make it happen – to make Christchurch the best LEADER: When Nicky Wagner voted for the first time, National’s Robert Muldoon delivered a landslide victory and went on to serve three terms as prime minister. possible place to live, work and play. We’ve spent more than $14 billion on the rebuild so far and we’re putting more money into exciting projects like the Convention Centre, a multi-use arena and Christ Church Cathedral. A lot has changed in 42 years – what hasn’t is that we still need you to get out and vote on Saturday. I’m proud to be part of the National Government and I look forward to being a strong advocate for Christchurch in the years to come. Time for a change in Government Megan Woods, Labour MP and Canterbury spokeswoman THIS Saturday, there is a clear choice for New Zealanders about what direction we want to take our country in. Do we want to stick with the status quo – a mismanaged housing crisis, dirty rivers and an ailing health system – or do we want to take our country SUPPORT: Megan Woods says if elected Labour will make sure the health system is funded properly and deal with mental health issues in the city. forward, address these issues and make New Zealand a better place for everyone to live? I’ve heard from so many people over the course of this campaign about how they know we can do better. National is tired and, simply put, they’re out of ideas. They have overseen nine years of cuts to crucial public services and an increase in our emissions. They’ve sat back while the number of children in poverty has continued to rise. They have failed to address the most basic political issues that ensure that all New Zealanders have somewhere to live, somewhere to work and something to hope for. Labour is ready to do this. We are going to fix the housing crisis, clean up our rivers and start working to combat climate change. We’re going to make sure that the health system is funded properly, particularly here in Canterbury so that we can address the mental health issues in our city. This election is a choice between three years of action, or another three years of drifting. I know that with Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, our country will make huge progress on issues that matter. But you don’t have to wait until Saturday to cast your vote either. At the beginning of this week, nearly half a million people had voted at the many advance voting booths around the country. You don’t have to be enrolled to vote early, just head along to your nearest polling place. Whether you’ve been already, you’re going today, or waiting until Saturday, it’s important to get out and vote. It’s your chance to make your voice heard and to have your say in the future of our country. 413 Tuam Street | Ph: 338 3733 ajcreativeglass.co.nz
The Star Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Thursday September 21 2017 25 BRICS set to make big difference The ninth summit of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) held in southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen early this month highlighted the strong conviction and consensus of the group’s five member countries to make a difference in the world in the next decade. It concluded with a blueprint mapped out to chart the course of the emerging market group to achieve common development and play a bigger role in international affairs while opposing protectionism. The momentous event has officially ushered in a second decade of the grouping, which accounts for about 42 percent of the world’s population and contributed more than half of global economic growth in the past decade. The five-member bloc has focused on promoting cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, currency and finance, connectivity, sustainable development, innovation and industrial cooperation. Considerable progress has been achieved through practical and mutually beneficial cooperation among BRICS countries over the past decade. Their combined economic share in the world’s total has almost doubled to 23 percent. to the Xiamen summit, China hosted the leaders of APEC, the G20, and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. President Xi told the press after the summit that BRICS leaders agreed to deepen political and security cooperation and enhance mutual strategic trust. Playing a bigger role in security was part of the four-point proposal China raised at the BRICS Business Forum. The proposal had clear input from the governance wisdom and will help BRICS gain strength. OPEN ECONOMY After assuming the rotating presidency this year, China, together with the other four members of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, has formulated a series of platforms within the BRICS mechanism to deliver tangible achievements. The BRICS mechanism is based on results-oriented cooperation, and significant progress has been made in this regard. While the bloc is dedicated to strengthening South-South cooperation, it is not intended to “move the cheese of anyone,” as Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a three-day summit in China’s coastal city of Xiamen, but to “make the pie of the global economy bigger.” Actions speak louder than words. Xi announced at the summit that China will offer 500 million yuan (about 76 million U.S. dollars) to facilitate practical cooperation in economy and trade, and another 4 million dollars for projects of the BRICS New Development Bank, a Shanghai-headquartered body set up in 2015 as the bloc’s major contribution to the world financial system. overseas. In India, Alibaba’s subsidiary partnered with local mobile payment company Paytm and boosted its number of users from 30 million to 200 million. Chinese companies are willing to share their experience as they explore the overseas market. BRICS PLUS Openness delivers progress. China as host of the summit has injected new vitality into the mechanism by putting forward the “BRICS Plus” approach, inviting leaders of five other developing countries from across the globe to hold dialogues with BRICS leaders during the event. The move will expand the BRICS circle of friends. With broad partnerships, the group can evolve into a more influential platform for South-South cooperation, to contribute significantly to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including eliminating poverty. Leaders of Mexico, Egypt, Tajikistan, Guinea and Thailand were invited by China to sit at a roundtable with BRICS leaders. Though outreach programs have existed in past BRICS summits since 2013, it was the first time the program had such an extensive representation - from almost every region of the world. It is the first time that Chinese President Xi Jinping has chaired the BRICS summit, sharing his vision on the group’s past and future and calling for greater efforts to “comprehensively deepen BRICS partnership.” The summit has shown the will and means of BRICS countries to seek more pragmatic cooperation, play a more active part in global governance and increase the voice and representation of emerging market and developing countries -- the main engine of world economic growth. RESPONSIBLE BLOC Initially formed on economic prowess, the group has increasingly found a common voice on thorny geopolitical issues. In Xiamen, BRICS leaders were quick to respond to the latest nuclear test in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which detonated a hydrogen bomb the day the summit opened. In their joint declaration, BRICS leaders expressed “deep concern” over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, saying that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue. The declaration also touched upon issues in Syria, Yemen, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One day earlier, Xi called on BRICS countries to shoulder their responsibilities in upholding world peace. He called on BRICS countries to take a constructive part in the process of resolving geopolitical hotspot issues and make our due contributions. China has emerged as a responsible power on world stage. China has increased its responsibility in global governance from climate change to peace-keeping. In the years leading up Currently, the global economy is undergoing adjustments with a rising trend of de-globalisation and protectionism. A more just and equitable international order remains beyond reach, despite some progress. With the economic slowdown, most BRICS countries face urgent structural reforms. At this crucial stage, the challenges and opportunities underline the significance of the Xiamen summit to provide solutions, and outline the direction and priorities for the group’s new era. Economic cooperation remains at the foundation of BRICS, and President Xi has been calling for openness and larger representation of the developing countries in global economic governance since his first BRICS summit appearance in 2013. China repeated its support for an open global economy, multilateral trade and fight against protectionism during this summit. “Emerging market will be hurt most by protectionism,” President Xi said. “Openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation are the only viable option.” Seizing the opportunities of the digital revolution, BRICS can achieve impressive growth and overtake developed countries. The new technological revolution has brought developing countries precious chances to play catch-up. Losing it, the developing countries will see the divide between them and the developed world grow wider. Opening the BRICS Business Forum, President Xi encouraged BRICS countries to pursue innovation-driven development created by smart manufacturing, the digital economy and sharing economy. The digital economy, with a market scale worth 22.6 trillion yuan, has risen to take up 30 percent of GDP in China. Meanwhile, leading Chinese tech companies are expanding This advertorial page is supported by The Chinese Consulate President Xi said BRICS cooperation was more than about just five countries, but carried the expectation of the entire international community. He had earlier used an idiom to sum up the mindset behind such partnerships: “One should help others as he establishes himself and bear the well-being of the world in mind.” BRICS leaders supported the “BRICS Plus” approach proposed by China to strengthen South- South cooperation. People all over the world are beginning to realise the sheer potential of BRICS for cooperation among developing countries. BRICS is really going to shock people in terms of what is able to achieve. Xi called out to his colleagues, “Let us set sail from Xiamen and join hands to usher in the second ‘golden decade’ of BRICS cooperation.” At the summit, BRICS leaders are constantly reminded of the sea. The logo is a sail in five colors. The conference building, a nearby hotel and the city’s airport terminal are all in the shape of a ship. The BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are like five boats on a fishing trip. Each has its own cause, but they sail in one direction with a common aim. At this crucial juncture lessons need to be drawn, and the “captains” need to set the direction for the journey ahead. As a stakeholder in shaping world order and safeguarding peace, the BRICS should further strengthen communication and coordination on major global and regional issues, and promote democracy in international relations so as to serve as a stabiliser for the world. Rather than losing its luster as claimed by short-sighted, misleading observers, BRICS can make a big difference to deliver benefits to people of the five countries and beyond.
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The Star: September 21, 2017

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