Brisbane, February 2 (People's Daily Online) -- On the evening of February 1, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Brisbane held the 2024 Spring Festival reception of "Warm Spring Festival and Celebration of the Chinese Year" at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center. More than 500 people attended the event, including representatives of Queensland and local governments, representatives of the education sector, Chinese-funded enterprises and institutions, overseas Chinese and international students.
The Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Brisbane, Ruan Zongze, delivers a speech at the reception (photo by veteran).
Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Brisbane Ruan Zongze said in his speech that 2023 is the first year to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The Communist Party of China (CPC) unites and leads the people of all ethnic groups across the country to continue to struggle and forge ahead. China's GDP grew by 5 percent last year2%, contributing more than 30% to global economic growth. Strategic emerging industries are developing rapidly in China, and the proportion of exports of lithium batteries, photovoltaics, and new energy vehicles has increased significantly, and high-tech, high-value-added, and green transformation products have become new growth points for exports. China's economy is resilient, has great potential and has a bright future.
Nguyen Zongze mentioned that in November 2023, Prime Minister Albanese paid a successful visit to China and the leaders of China and Australia met again, which is of great significance for China-Australia high-level exchanges to carry forward the past and forge ahead into the future. With the joint efforts of both sides, China and Australia have resumed exchanges in various fields and are on the right track of improving and developing relations. In 2023, the amount of China-Australia investment will reach a new high, and positive progress has been made in investment cooperation. China is Queensland's largest export market, an important investor and the largest destination for international students. Overseas Chinese and Chinese students in Kunming are an important bridge to promote China-Kunming friendship and practical cooperation, and they are also staunch supporters and beneficiaries of China-Australia friendship.
Nguyen said that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia. China and Australia should follow the trend of the times, proceed from the common interests of the two countries, jointly build a China-Australia relationship that treats each other as equals, seeks common ground while reserving differences, and cooperates for mutual benefit, so as to promote the continuous development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership. China is ready to work with Australia in the same direction, give full play to the potential of the China-Australia Free Agreement, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as climate change and green economy, safeguard the global and regional free system, and provide a good business environment for enterprises of the two countries to invest and operate.
On behalf of the Consulate General, Nguyen Zongze expressed his gratitude to everyone for their long-term care and support. He said that the Consulate General is willing to actively support the dialogue and exchanges between Chinese and Kunming political parties, think tanks, youth, local governments and other levels, so as to create more convenient conditions for personnel exchanges and enhance the friendship between the two peoples.
Queensland Premier Janet Young attended the reception and delivered a speech (Photo by Zhang Shuhui).
In her speech, the Governor of Queensland, Janet Young, praised the contribution of overseas Chinese to the local multicultural construction and economic and social development. She said that it has been more than 50 years since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, and the positive influence of overseas Chinese on Queensland can be traced back to around 1850. They brought expertise and ambition to Queensland, transformed the Queensland business community and left a lasting impact that continues to drive Queensland today. They also brought a wealth of cultural traditions to Queensland, which have endured and strengthened in later years.
Cameron Dick, Deputy Premier of Queensland, Minister for Finance and Investment, delivers a speech (Photo by Shuhui Zhang).
Queensland's Deputy Premier, Minister for Finance and Investment Cameron Dick said in Chinese culture the dragon represents creativity, wisdom and honour. Cameron Dick highly affirmed the contribution of overseas Chinese in Queensland to the development of Australia's country and region, and believed that the local overseas Chinese also support the long-term prosperity and progress of Australia and Queensland. He mentioned that when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited China three months ago, Queensland also sent the largest ** delegation ever. China is Queensland's largest partner, and this initiative is very important for Queensland.
In the evening, Angela Owen, representative of the Mayor of Brisbane and member of parliament, Ma Lianze, chairman of the Queensland Chinese Federation, and other guests also delivered speeches at the reception.
Ruan Zongze (first from left) presented awards to the four individual award winners of the "When Koala Meets Panda" - China-Australia Friendship Micro ** Competition (Photo by Zhang Shuhui).
The 2023 "When Koala Meets Panda" - China-Australia Friendship Micro ** Competition Award Ceremony was also held at the reception, and Ruan Zongze presented trophies and award certificates to the winners. Hosted by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Brisbane and undertaken by People's Daily Online, the China-Australia Friendship Micro Contest has been held for 7 sessions so far. The theme of the 7th competition is "Reunion", encouraging young people from China and Australia to become ambassadors of friendship between the two peoples, and actively create short stories for renewing China-Australia friendship after the pandemic.
The scene of the 2024 Spring Festival reception of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Brisbane (Photo by Zhang Shuhui).
The reception was filled with a warm and peaceful atmosphere, and the guests present exchanged greetings, talked about friendship, and expressed their best wishes and expectations for the new year. (Zhang Shuhui).