The World Cup in full swing has greatly drawn the attention of Chinese football fans. Recently, reporters from The Dahe had an interview with Zhou Jian, Ambassador of China to Qatar.

Zhou, from Xinyang, Central China's Henan, pays close attention to the development of his hometown though he works abroad. This time, he praised the "Chinese Brands" and "Made in Henan" heading towards the world.

The China-Qatar cooperation has yielded fruitful results

Reporter: What achievements have China and Qatar realized in people-to-people, economic and trade exchanges?

Zhou: In recent years, the China-Qatar strategic partnership has entered a golden period. The two sides have gradually formed a cooperation pattern based on the oil-gas trade, with infrastructure construction as the key area, and financial investment and high-tech as the new growth points.

In terms of people-to-people exchanges, the visa is not needed between the two countries, making it convenient for people to travel. And the two lovely pandas Jingjing (Souhel) and Sihai (Surana) from China have just settled in Doha, a new symbol of the China-Qatar and China-Arab friendship. Sports is also an important part of China-Qatar cooperation. Both Chinese and Qataris love sports, and both countries are keen on hosting large-scale sports events, which means that there is a solid foundation for further cooperation in sports between China and Qatar.

Chinese elements shine at Qatar World Cup

Reporter: Could you please tell us the story behind China's contribution to Qatar's successful hosting of the World Cup?

Zhou: The Qatar World Cup is a grand festival for football fans worldwide, to which China has made great contributions. For example, China Railway Construction Corporation designed and built one of the Qatar World Cup's main stadiums, Lusail Stadium, which is the largest and most advanced one among professional soccer stadiums built by Chinese enterprises. It has become a landmark in Qatar, setting a good example for the two countries to jointly build "the Belt and Road" with high quality.

In addition, the Al-Qasar 800-megawatt photovoltaic plant was designed and built by the Power Construction Corporation of China, providing green energy to the World Cup. And the streets of Qatar are decorated with football accessories and souvenirs made in China, giving Doha a festival look.

These Chinese elements and contributions are the epitome of the great development of China-Qatar relationship. The next five years will be a critical period for China to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way, and also an important period for Qatar to promote the realization of the Qatar's Vision 2030. We should take the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Qatar next year to promote the China-Qatar relationship to a new journey and a new level.

Yutong bus is the highlight of "Chinese Brands" heading towards the world

Reporter: Among all these Chinese elements in Qatar, what impressed us most were the Yutong new energy vehicles made in Henan. What do you think about this?

Zhou: The 1500 Yutong new energy buses brought green transportation to the Qatar World Cup, providing an unprecedented green travel experience for fans worldwide. With advanced design and excellent quality, Yutong buses can withstand the humidity and high temperature in Qatar, and operate smoothly under extreme weather. Yutong bus is not only a highlight of the cooperation between China and Qatar, but of the "Chinese Brands" heading towards the world. Yutong is going to carry out in-depth cooperation with Qatar and invest in the construction of new energy bus assembly plants in Qatar. The plants are currently under construction and are expected to produce 500 to 1,000 new energy buses annually.

Henan is a major manufacturing province. In recent years, the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and the Provincial Government have implemented a new development philosophy, building a new highland opening to the outside world. The Zhengzhou Airport, China-Europe Freight Trains and other remarkable projects were launched, making "Made in Henan" head towards the world. Yutong will adhere to the green philosophy and win-win cooperation, fulfill its social responsibilities, and make a stable and successful journey. (The Dahe/Wang Weihao, Wang Yage)

(Web editor: Zhang Rui)