CIFTIS 2020: WHO chief calls to build a 'healthier, safer, fairer' world
Updated 08:23, 05-Sep-2020
CGTN
00:30

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday called to build a "healthier, safer, fairer" world in a video speech at the Global Trade in Services Summit of this year's China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

"We welcome the tremendous innovation that's enabling businesses and communities to begin to rebuild. But innovation is of most value when it matters to equalities, not widens them," the WHO chief said in his speech.

The COVID-19 pandemic will end, said Tedros, stressing that the question is whether we'll learn the lessons it's teaching us.

Some foreign leaders including Argentine President Alberto Fernández, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, South Korean deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki also addressed the summit via video.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez addressed the opening ceremony of CIFTIS, saying "this is one of the largest, and most high-rank events in China since the coronavirus outbreak," and "Argentina is proud to take part in the event."

President Fernandez also stressed that Argentina is willing to deepen the bilateral relationship with China. In the wake of the coronavirus and its impact on the global economy, Argentina is actively searching for as a responsible way to resume the economy, and develop a reciprocal model with China. 

The 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing is being held from September 4 to 9. It is the first major international economic and trade event held both online and offline by China since the COVID-19 outbreak.

More: CIFTIS 2020: Global Trade in Services Summit starts in Beijing

Read more on the special coverage of the CIFTIS