"The Chinese Premier's speech covered the changes and improvements in China as well as the challenges. I have the impression that the Chinese government is on top of every issue; they have clear strategies," former Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told China.org.cn after listening to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2016 annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in China's southernmost island province of Hainan on Thursday.

"This conference of course is not only about China; it is about the future of the world," Aziz said. "China is the engine of growth in Asia, that's why the conference not only attracts people from Asia, but also from other parts of the world. People want to know the opportunities that China can offer."

Under the theme of "Asia's New Future: New Dynamics, New Vision," the conference brought together over 2,000 scholars, business leaders, government officials, and members of civil societies from over 60 countries and regions.

Shaukat Aziz, who has worked in the business and finance sector for about 40 years, is not worried about China's economic downturn, saying cycles happen. "For friends like Pakistan, the economic progress [of China] made in the past four decades is a source of strength. Pakistan is proud of China's achievements," he said.

Premier Li Keqiang mentioned innovation more than once in his speech. "China is now aware of the need for change, reform, and innovation. The fact that these points came from the premier gives me a lot of confidence and comfort," Aziz said. He insists that China must be more than the world's factory; the country also has to create more value added products and economy. "No matter which country in the world, if you don't keep reforming, your economy slows down," he continued.

Aziz hailed China's "Belt and Road" initiative as tremendous, saying that the initiative will speed up growth in the whole region. It is not just about building a road, it is about building connectivity between countries, enhancing the quality of relationships, and promoting the flow of ideas, people, and money among countries involved.

"If you look at history, none of the roads, including the ancient Silk Road, have been used for military purposes. China is a very peaceful country; China wants friendship, connectivity, and linkages. China has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries," he said. "That is why people in Pakistan have strong respect for China."

"Better connectivity is always a driver for peace, reducing the potential for conflicts in Asia," said Aziz. It helps build a community and shared future in the region, a concept mentioned in Premier Li's speech.

"Trade, investment, security cooperation, and cultural and education cooperation are all ways to link countries."

Aziz praised the Asian community concept as holistic, which will bring countries together by creating a better Asian identity. "We are all Asians, we have a link, we may look different, but we are all basically the same. We are from one part of the world, so we have to work together," he said.

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