Dr Kohona: developing countries should covet China model

One-time Foreign Secretary and Sri Lanka’s ex-Ambassador to China, Dr. Palitha Kohona, drawing from his diplomatic experience, underscored the Chinese development model as a key reference for Asian economies. Dr. Kohona elaborated on China’s economic transformation, emphasising its state-led investments, long-term strategic planning, and infrastructure-driven growth. He pointed out that China’s focus on industrialisation, coupled with strategic global partnerships, has enabled its rapid ascent as the world’s second-largest economy.

Dr. Kohona, also a former top UN bureaucrat, said so at a discussion titled “Critical overview on the development models in emerging Asian superpowers” at Janaki Hotel, in Colombo, recently.

The former top diplomat also highlighted China’s governance structure, policy consistency, and emphasis on technological advancement, positioning the country as a model for other developing nations. Dr. Kohona stressed the need for Sri Lanka to carefully analyse and selectively adapt elements of the Chinese model that align with its own economic and social realities.

The discussion, arranged by the Nexus Research Group, brought together policymakers, academics, and industry professionals to analyse the economic strategies of rising Asian powers.

The discussion featured two distinguished speakers Dr. P Kohona and Shiran Ilanperuma, an expert in international trade and economic policy. Milinda Rajapaksa moderated the session while Prof. Charitha Herath, Chair of Nexus, provided the opening remarks, framing the debate around how emerging superpowers are shaping global economic dynamics.

Following Dr. Kohona’s address, Shiran Illankotuwa delivered a detailed presentation on China’s economic strengths, labour market strategies, and trade policies. He analysed China’s export-led growth, strong manufacturing sector, and dynamic trade relationships.

He pointed out that China’s ability to balance state intervention with market-driven policies has been a critical factor in its economic success. He also discussed how the country has leveraged low-cost labour, foreign direct investments, and global trade agreements to maintain its competitive edge.

The presentation further explored how China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other economic policies have influenced trade flows and regional development, drawing both admiration and critique from international observers.

The discussion sparked a broader conversation on how Sri Lanka and other developing economies can learn from China’s model while tailoring strategies to their unique political and economic landscapes. Participants engaged in a dynamic Q&A session, debating the adaptability of China’s policies in smaller economies and the challenges of replicating such large-scale state-led development in different governance structures.

The event reinforced the importance of evidence-based policymaking and strategic economic planning for Sri Lanka’s future growth. As global economic dynamics continue to shift, forums like these serve as crucial platforms for knowledge exchange and policy innovation.

The Nexus Research Group is a Colombo-based think tank dedicated to public policy research and economic analysis. Its board of directors includes Prof. Charitha Herath, Dulma Kadaramage, Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, and Karu Paranawitana. Nexus aims to foster informed debate on pressing policy issues and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development strategies in Sri Lanka and beyond.