While Europe, according to former chairman of the transport committee and journalist Ivan Cinka, is floundering and letting itself be controlled by lobby groups, China is showing what long-term strategic planning should look like. Cinka urges close attention to the upcoming session of the All-China People's Congress, which begins on 5 March in Beijing.

„Anyone looking for inspiration outside the closed shell of their own country or the moribund EU cannot miss a session of the world's largest parliament. Three thousand delegates will be discussing, above all, the 15th Five-Year Plan,“ uvedl Cinka.

According to him, the most admirable thing about China is its ability to plan for the long term and systematically meet its goals. „Europe is moving from side to side on its journey. While in China scientific knowledge is decisive, in our country politicians determine the direction according to the lobby behind them.“ Cinka criticises the European approach.

He cites the railways as an example. „Just look at the constant postponement of the construction of high-speed lines in the Czech Republic and their rapid development at the highest technological level in China. Yet this is the most environmentally friendly form of mass transport,“ dodává.

China's new five-year plan will reportedly focus on high-quality development, scientific and technological self-sufficiency, expanding domestic demand and green transformation. It will outline 12 key areas including building modern industry, opening up to the world and promoting regional development.

Cinka also appreciates the way the plan was prepared. „I read that more than three million suggestions have been collected from the public. I see this as a successful combination of strategic planning and democratic decision-making. This should also be a great inspiration for Europe, which calls itself a pioneer of democracy,“ uzavírá.

CMG