This is Nong’s first diplomatic appointment though he is known for his commerce and trade skills
China named Nong Rong as the new ambassador to Pakistan, in place of the outgoing Ambassador Yao Jing. The move was confirmed by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian who said that Nong will be taking charge “in due course”. He has previously headed the ethnic and religious affairs commission in China. Nong has also served as the mayor and deputy party secretary of the city of Guigang in Guangxi.
“As far as I understand, Nong Rong is now appointed as the new Chinese ambassador to Pakistan. He will be taking office in due course,” Zhao said.
This is his first diplomatic appointment and media and experts believe it is a move based on his background related with commerce and trade. Others feel that while he has not been a diplomat, he has been a part of diplomacy previously.
“Although Nong is not trained as a diplomat, he has experience in economic diplomacy with Southeast Asian countries,” said Wang Dehua, a South Asia specialist at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies. “The fact he headed the ethnic and religious affairs commission suggests he is capable of dealing with sensitive issues,” he added.
Pakistan and China are currently engaged in a long term partnership in CPEC. The project involves large scale infrastructure projects that will take years to complete. The appointment is lauded by many as a good step since Nong will be instrumental in getting the project forward. Someone with the expertise of not just diplomacy but also business can surely push things along.