China's development road map and other outcomes of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which ended on Oct 25, will have century-long global impacts as the country deepens engagement with the world, according to European politicians, scholars and lawyers.

"The Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era ... has a cardinal importance for the further successful progress of China," Maja Gojkovic, speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, told China Daily.

"I am convinced that the direction taken at this congress will yield measurable results and prosperity for the whole of the friendly people of China in this century."

Having closely observed the congress, Gojkovic said Xi clearly demonstrated the intention to take China to a new era that will include continuation of the country's development and an increase in citizens' standard of living.

"I am convinced that President Xi, having regard for the indivisible trust of the Communist Party of China that he enjoys and that was undoubtedly confirmed in this congress, will lead China through the path of success and prosperity in the forthcoming years," Gojkovic said.

When Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel was asked what his message would be for China's new leadership formed at the 19th National Congress, he said Belgium will build a stronger relationship with China at diplomatic and economic levels, while both sides need to develop mutual understanding.

"I believe we can work together toward this aspect (of building a stronger bilateral relationship)," Michel told China Daily at the recent launch ceremony for direct flights between Brussels and Shanghai.

Rolf J. Langhammer, former vice-president of the Germany-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy, says the key message of the congress, for him, is that China is strongly signaling growing interest in actively participating in and leading globalization, a trend that started a decade ago.

Langhammer says that, with its increasing international acceptance as a benevolent government, China will further take into account the interests of partner countries in decision-making.

He says China has already made "first steps" in this direction and has won trust by shouldering responsibility by contributing to global economic growth.

Thomas Lagerqvist, senior adviser of Mannheimer Swartling, a Sweden-based law firm, says that to fulfill the Chinese Dream, this vision will serve as a guiding star into the new era. The world wants China to succeed, as that will benefit global cooperation, he says.

Lagerqvist says China's economy has been transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development and is in a pivotal stage for transforming the growth model, improving economic structure and fostering new growth drivers.

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(China Daily Africa Weekly 11/03/2017 page25)