RABAT - The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will create new prospects for China's economic growth and further development, a senior Moroccan lawmaker told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Mohamed Yatim, vice president of Morocco's House of Representatives, believed that the CPC congress, which would outline China's future development strategy, is a very significant event for sustained development of modern China.

Under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have scored remarkable achievements in economic and social development in the past three decades and the country is now a major driver of the world economy and also a nation of global strategic significance, said Yatim.

China could also take great pride in the fact that it has managed to preserve its culture and historical tradition while making great strides in economic development, he said.

The comprehensive development strategy to be unveiled by the CPC at the congress would lead the Chinese people to even greater achievements, he added.

Noting that China is faced with many challenges on issues such as sustainable development, environmental protection, demographic changes, Yatim said he was confident that the CPC would rise up to these challenges given its past record.

When it comes to foreign relations, Yatim said that Arab countries, especially Morocco, have maintained friendly ties with China since long ago.

The Arab world and China had frequent trade and cultural exchanges via the historic Silk Road and their friendly ties have witnessed constant growth for centuries, he said.

As he sees it, China respects the belief, culture and political choices of the Arab people, a reason why the relations between the two sides are always harmonious and mutually beneficial.

China is playing a big role in promoting world peace and global cooperation, Yatim said, adding that the CPC congress will have significant impact on China as well as the whole world.