Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to China: 'After coming to Beijing, I've learned how to shop online very soon'

“China’s new development philosophy deserves much praise”

Low had visited China for several times before she assumed the duty as the ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to China. Among others, the development of infrastructure and images of cities impressed her a lot. “I have gone to Guangdong and Zhejiang (provinces in China) for many times and witnessed the rapid development of many cities in China. When I went to some cities again, I couldn’t even remember what they were like a year ago.” In Low’s view, many cities in China are interconnected economic hubs where modern airports and hotels are equipped with the most advanced facilities. “It seems that wide roads and modern public transport systems have been built overnight.”

Low said that great changes have also taken place in the Chinese people’s way of life. “What surprises me most is that e-commerce has gained popularity in such a short period of time in China.” Due to the fast development of the mobile Internet, such apps on smartphones as WeChat and Taobao have become people’s necessities, making their work and life more convenient and efficient. Low remembered that on the streets of Shanghai and Guangdong 20 years ago, people had to hail a taxi by waving hands and almost all vendors accepted cash only. “But now, people can book a taxi or buy high-speed railway and airline tickets through smartphone apps. And customers can pay easily by scanning the QR code of sellers when shopping.” Low said she herself also “does as the Chinese do,” and “after coming to Beijing, I’ve learned how to shop online very soon.”

The ambassador said she has the honor to have a front-row seat for a closer look at China’s innovative, green and digital development. From her point of view, “China’s new development philosophy deserves much praise and chimes in with our national vision of strengthening the building of its capability of innovative, diverse and sustainable development.”