(January 29, 2016)
Your Excellency Ashwin Adhin, Vice President of the Republic of Suriname,
Honorable Ministers,
Honorable members of the National Assembly,
Fellow Ambassadors and Representatives of the Diplomatic corps and international organizations,
Respected Mr. Zheng Guochong, Chairman of the Suriname Chinese United Association,
Representatives of the local Chinese community and the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Suriname,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening!
Welcome to attend tonight's reception in celebration of the Spring Festival of 2016, the Year of Monkey. I'm particularly thankful for the presence of H.E. Vice President Ashwin Adhin. At this special and beautiful moment, I would like to extend my warmest New Year's greetings to all of you, and wish you happy Chinese New Year and all the best!
2015 was a year of success for China on the road of deepening all-round reform. Under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with H.E. Xi Jinping as the General Secretary, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups made significant progress in pursuing the four-pronged comprehensive strategy, namely to finish building a moderately prosperous society, deepen reform, advance the law-based governance and strengthen Party self-discipline. By successfully completing the 12th Five-year Plan for national economic and social development, China last year achieved economic growth rate of 6.9% and its GDP surpassed 10 trillion US Dollars, which is remarkable for such a large economy. Although facing new problems and challenges in the current international economic circumstances, China's economy still maintains sound momentum of long term development and high growth rate among major economies in the world, and contributed over 25% to the global economic growth last year.
The year 2015 also witnessed all-round progress in the advancement of China's diplomatic agenda. Centering on the two topics of peace and development, China introduced a series of initiatives and plans of far-reaching influence in politics, economy, security and other aspects of the world. The Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was inaugurated; the Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road were released; China's currency, the RMB, was put into the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket of reserve currencies. We solemnly celebrated the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with other countries, expressing China's dedication to the cause of peace and justice of mankind. China, together with the international community, identified the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and made concerted efforts to address climate change, which is also Suriname's concern. We have made important contribution to reach a comprehensive, balanced, ambitious and binding agreement at the Paris Conference, and announced the establishment of a RMB 20 billion South-South Cooperation Fund on climate change.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Last year also saw new and important progress of China-Suriname relations. The exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of politics, economy, trade, culture, education and military, among others reached new high; our political mutual trust has been further strengthened. We have been maintaining close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs.
The bilateral pragmatic cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Last March, the People's Bank of China and the Central Bank of Suriname signed a currency swap deal of RMB one billion (SRD 520 million). Ten days ago, a new consignment of China Aid Equipment for municipal maintenance and cleaning was handed over to the Surinamese government. The maintenance of the office building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was about to complete. Besides, aid gratis projects including Wanica hospital, Sophia's Lust community center, 1000 houses and traffic and security monitoring system in Paramaribo are all in steady progress. China is also assisting Suriname in the field of human capacity development. Last year about 80 Surinamese officials and professionals went to China for training with various programs, and 6 students received full Chinese scholarships. Among them, 21 Surinamese trainees attended a specialized program for rice planting in Hunan Province of China, and came back with gains and joy. The cooperation in agriculture, energy, telecommunication, industrial capacity and other areas has been unfolding and will have a bright prospect.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me to say a few words in mandarin to my fellow compatriots,
(Translation) Representatives of the local Chinese community and Chinese enterprises, dear friends, in the past year, the local Chinese community and Chinese enterprises have been working hard and actively contribute to the economic and social development of Suriname and the promotion of China-Suriname relations. I would like to extend my sincerest respect and gratitude to all of you and hope you make persistent efforts and forge new brilliance in the coming year.
(Translation) Since the settlement of the first generation of Chinese immigrants in Suriname 162 years ago, the Chinese community has been integrated into the Surinamese society, and the Chinese culture has become an integral part of the diversified Surinamese culture. The Chinese community has made great contribution to the development and prosperity of Suriname, recognized by the Surinamese government and other ethnic groups. I hope that under the leadership of the Suriname Chinese United Association, the Chinese community will continue to integrate into the local society and live harmoniously with other ethnic groups. The new Chinese immigrants are encouraged to learn Dutch and local languages, actively communicate with local people and build a better Suriname together. The Chinese Embassy will make relentless efforts to prosecute the responsibilities for the well-being of Chinese citizens, and provide high-quality consular service and assistance for all the Chinese citizens in Suriname.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The year 2016 marks the beginning of China's 13th Five-Year Plan. In pursuit of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, China has the confidence and capability to ensure sustained and sound economic growth, and will bring more opportunities and benefits to other countries. The coming May 28th is the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Suriname, we will hold a series of events to celebrate this great moment, and take this as an important opportunity to boost the bilateral relations to a higher level with more mutually beneficial fruits.
In only 10 days, the Year of Monkey will arrive. On Sunday February 7th, The Chinese Embassy, along with the Suriname Chinese United Association, will hold the second Chinese New Year Temple Fair in KKF. Everybody is warmly welcome to the Fair to experience the Chinese culture, shop for Chinese handicraft, taste Chinese food, and enjoy the performances by the artists of various ethnic groups in Suriname. As the "Monkey" symbolizes dynamism, energy, cleverness and success in traditional Chinese zodiac, I wish the China-Suriname relations more dynamism, energy and success in 2016, and wish all of you good health, greater success and happy family in the auspicious year of Monkey!
Thank you!
Dank u wel!