The People's Daily Online reports that on the occasion of his visit to China, John Holmes, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator talks about the Chinese expertise in dealing with disasters and points out that the country could play a pivotal role in the Asia Pacific region by helping other countries develop their capacity to prepare for crises.
The author affirms that there is a need to strengthen disaster risk reduction and preparedness for an effective response, and to building national and regional capacity across Asia. China can help Asia Pacific region and other countries in this process.
According to report, Holmes, who will be visiting China from 20 to 22 April 2009, said: "In this dangerous new world, China's experiences preparing for risks are highly relevant. Acting sooner and acting smarter by implementing risk reduction and disaster preparedness measures is at the heart of what the United Nations is asking all countries to do".