Remarks by H.E. Mr. Yuan NanSheng Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Suriname
at the Reception of Assuming office and Celebrating the 60th Anniversary
of the Founding Of the People’s Republic of China

(September 28, 2009)

Your Excellency President and Vice-President,
Honorable Ministers present,
Members of National Assembly,
Excellencies, Ambassadors corps diplomatique,
Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening. It’s my great honor to assume office as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Suriname on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. I’d like to take this opportunity, and also on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese embassy, to express our warm welcome and sincere appreciation to all the distinguished guests present. Thank you very much for all your help and support to develop the friendship between our two countries.

After 60 years of great efforts, earthshaking changes have taken place in China. We have turned from a low-income country to a lower-middle-income one. Our gross domestic product surpassed 3.86 trillion U.S. dollars in 2008, 77 times more than in 1952 after deducting the price-rise factor. China’s per capita GDP amounted to 3000 U.S. dollars. China’s revenue has increased more than 1000 times and the foreign exchange reserve increased 14000 times, ranking first in the world. China’s total foreign trade volume reached 2.56 trillion U.S. dollars, making it the world’s third largest trader. China has also fed more than 22% of the world’s people on 7% of the arable land. After 60 years of hard work, China realized two historic leaps—bringing the people from poverty to having enough to eat and wear, and then to living a better-off life. In other fields, such as society and rule of law, China has also made great achievements.

Currently, the unprecedented global financial crisis had taken a heavy toll on the world economy. Yet, China has curbed the downturn in economic growth. In the first half of this year, China’s GDP grew by 7.1%, investment expanded at a faster pace, and consumption maintained fast and steady growth, Domestic demand played a stronger role in driving the economy forward. We will continue to take maintaining steady and relatively fast economic growth as our primary task, and make our own contribution to the recovery of the world economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have been in Suriname for about one month. The beautiful natural environment, nice climate, fresh air and the people’s hospitality impressed me a lot. I believe that the friendship and cooperation between our two countries will have a bright future with a stable base.

Suriname is an important country in the Caribbean region and has her unique role to play in the international and regional affairs. In the recent years, the friendly cooperation of our two countries has developed continuously. Politically, the leaders visit each other continuously. We trust and respect each other, and cooperate closely in international affairs. We also enjoy a fruitful cooperation in many other fields. This year, we achieved substantive results on the Suriname 3rd Phase Road Rehabilitation and Construction project and the low-cost housing project.

As a sincere friend of Suriname, China would like to continue to provide economic and technical assistance within its ability to Suriname. I am sure that, along with the common efforts, the relationship of friendly mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries will be further enhanced.

It’s a glorious mission to work as the 10th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Suriname. And it also means heavy responsibility. I’d like to do my best to strengthen mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation between our two countries and enhance the traditional friendship between the two peoples. I’m sure I will get all the great assistance and support from the government and people of Suriname.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Now, may I propose a toast.

To the prosperity of Suriname and China,

To the health of His Excellency, President Venetiaan,

To the health of all friends present,

Cheers!

Thank you all.