70 years of revolution.

Byline: Dr Farid A Malik

Out of the three revolutions (Bolshevik, Chinese, Iranian), Mao's People Republic of China(PRC) has emerged as a major economic power of the world. The revolution continues even after 70 years (Oct, 1949 to 2019). President Xi Ping attired in Mao's revolutionary dress arrived at the Tiananmen Square to address his countrymen and review the guard of honour of one of the largest armies of the world. The embalmed body of the Great Leader lies in state on one end while his huge portrait hangs outside the 'Forbidden City' where once the Chinese rulers lived. The legacy and the revolution of Mao both remain intact.

In his recent visit to PRC, Prime Minister (PM) paid tributes to the 'Chinese Miracle' where 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty. While the 'Soviet Communism' crumbled, Chinese Communism remains tenacious even after seven decades. Chairman recited his famous poem in 1935 during the battle in the mountains of Guizhou; 'Idle boast the strong pass a wall of iron. China has succeeded in breaking through several walls of inertia by putting the nation to work. Human Development has been the hallmark of the revolution and the governments that followed. There are no trade unions, the private sector is allowed to operate but in partnership or equity participation with the government for the hand holding. The money earned is spent on human and infra structure development. Facilitation is provided by the state apparatus with regulatory frameworks not direct interference. It is a win win situation, the show stoppers are dealt with an iron hand. Nation building seems to be the common agenda.

During one of my visits, I visited a 'Furniture Closter' outside the city of Guangzhou. Every major manufacturer had a show room there. Buyers were picked up at the airport by the cluster transport and then driven to the location where orders could be placed. Hotel accommodation was also made available. All buying activities were fully coordinated under one roof, shipments then followed. It was hassle free procurement.

In the eighties I had the chance of driving through Yugoslavia another communist empire under Marshal Tito. Everything was inexpensive and of high quality. I stayed at a reasonable motel for about $10 for the night. There was a huge dining hall or restaurant in the compound where food was very reasonable but service was poor. While I was the only customer in this huge place, suddenly people started pouring...