Honorable Minister Lee Hang,
Dear Chinese Communities,
Dear Engineering, Technicians, Agricultural Experts, Medical Professionals, Volunteer Teachers,
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we all know, in a week, we will usher in the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is a Year of Rat. As Chinese calendar tradition tells, Rat comes the first of 12 zodiac animals, so this Chinese New Year will the beginning of a new Chinese zodiac cycle.The Spring Festival is the very first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, and it is also the biggest festival for all Chinese people. On this special occasion, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and in my own name, I would like to give the heartfelt New Year greetings to you all. Happy Chinese New Year! I wish all of you good health, smooth work, happy family, and all dreams coming true!
Dear friends,
The year 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. China has made great achievements in building socialism with Chinese characteristics in a New Era. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was successfully held. The Communist Party of China led all Chinese people to uphold and improve the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and to advance the modernization of the national governance system and national governance capacity. In the past 70 years, the Chinese people have enjoyed a strong sense of gain. The GDP per capita has reached a new level of 10,000 US dollars. Both the National Day Grand Troop Review and the Shandong aircraft carrier service illustrated not only the achievements of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the cause of its modernization, but also the firm stand in safeguarding China’s security and unity and promoting world peace and development. Beijing Daxing International Airport started to be in operation, and the Long March V rocket was successfully launched. The concepts of Made in China, Created in China, and Built in China became more impressive. The 20th anniversary of the return of Macao to China reflected the successful practice of the principle of "one country, two systems" , which is workable and supported by the people. The path of common development and prosperity for Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and the mainland will be even wider. As China established diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands and resumed diplomatic relations with Kiribati, China's friend circle became bigger and bigger, and the "One China" consensus has been greatly increasing in the international community.
Ladies and gentlemen,
2019 is the first year for us to implement the outcomes of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Leaders of Pacific Island Countries. China and Samoa maintained high-level mutual visits and close people-to-people exchanges. Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua attended the opening ceremony of the 3rd China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development Cooperation Forum and paid an official visit to Samoa. Two governments signed 7 cooperation agreements in the fields of trade and investment, agriculture, fishery, etc. The Minister of Culture and Tourism of China Mr. Li Shugang was present at the opening ceremony of the China-Pacific Island Countries Tourism Year held in Samoa. The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labor of Samoa Mr. Purcell took part in the second China International Import Expo held in Shanghai. Goods with Samoan styles were attractive to Chinese consumers. Moreover, China provided substantial support for the success of the Pacific Games hosted by Samoa, especially the opening and closing ceremonies. Whilst, more than 300 Samoa athletes and coaches were invited to receive training in China. It was wonderful to see that Samoa achieved the best record in history by winning the third in both the Gold Medal Tally and the Medal Count. During the epidemic of the measles in Samoa at the end of 2019, the Red Cross Society of China donated US$100,000 humanitarian aid to Samoa, and the Chinese medical professionals dedicated themselves unswervingly to the treatment of patients. Their contribution earned respect and appreciation from the Samoa government and Samoa people.
Dear friends,
For a long time, the Chinese Communities in Samoa have been hardworking and friendly, staying harmoniously with the local people and actively integrating into the local society. The Chinese Communities in Samoa have made great contributions to the socio-economic development of Samoa and the friendship between China and Samoa. During the 3rd China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development Cooperation Forum, many of the Chinese Communities in Samoa volunteered to assist in receiving the delegation led by Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua.When Chinese nationals encountered difficulties in Samoa, we could see the great help from the Chinese Communities. I am able to acknowledge that Chinese Communities in Samoa are pioneers and contributors to the exchange, cooperation, and development between China and Samoa, and that they have been valuable treasures of our two countries. I hope that on the basis of your own development, the Chinese Communities could continue to serve as the bridge and bond between China and Samoa , and play an active role in promoting the friendly exchanges, common development and common prosperity between China and Samoa.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, we have been insisting on focusing on the economic development and releasing and developing productive forces, which led China to become the world's second largest economy. We are so proud of it. The aspiration of the people to live a better life must always be the focus of our efforts. China could not develop without the world while the prosperity of the world can’t be achieved without China. We will keep on the practice of proactive opening-up so as to build a favorable international environment. We will uphold the spirit of peace, development and cooperation, and abide by safeguarding the world peace and development, aiming at driving the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
The year 2020 will see decisive victories in finishing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, meeting goals of the 13th Five-Year Plan. Achieving the ambitious goals rely on concerted efforts of all Chinese at home and abroad. The success can’t be achieved without hardworking and it requires diligence, wisdom and courage. Ladies and gentlemen, the year 2020 also marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic tie between China and Samoa. We are committed to push forward the achievements of the historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the leaders of the Pacific Island countries in 2018. We are tasked with taking the important opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative and deepening the pragmatic cooperation between China and Samoa. We expect to step into new phase of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries, which I am confident will benefit our two countries and our two people.
In conclusion, I would like to invite all the distinguished guests to join me in raising your glasses and propose a toast,
To a happy Chinese New Year,
To the prosperity of our motherland,
To the long-lasting China-Samoa friendship,
Cheers! Thank you!