Honorable Mr. Zatlers,

Honorable members of Parliament,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is great pleasure for my wife and me to get together with friends of all circles this evening, to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Here I wish to express, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, our warmest welcome to you all.

Since the founding of New China 64 years ago, through continuous efforts, China has successfully explored a development path not only suited to its national conditions but also in accordance with the times' feature. Since 2012, China’s contribution to Asia’s economic growth has exceeded 50%, and continued to be one of the main engines to promote the growth of the world economy. With commitment to realize the 'Chinese Dream' through peaceful development, China has devoted itself to the promotion of inclusive, cooperative and win-win development, and has become a positive promoter of world peace and development.

Even with the current complicate world economic situation, the Chinese economy has managed steady progress. In the first half of this year, GDP grew by 7.6% year-on-year, which is still within the reasonable and manageable range. The newly elected Chinese government stays committed to a holistic approach in pursuing steady growth, structural readjustment and further reform, focused on the expansion of domestic demand, deepening the reform and speeding up opening-up. Chinese economy is now well positioned and fully capable to maintain its sustained and healthy growth.

In the next five years, China is expected to import 10 trillion US dollars of goods, invest 500 billion US dollars overseas and Chinese tourists are expected to make 400 million trips abroad. China, with its economic structure transformed and upgraded, will contribute more to the prosperity and development of the world economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China-Latvia relations have developed on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment for over 2 decades. China regards Latvia as a good friend in the Baltic region, and a partner in developing China-EU relationship and promoting friendly cooperation between China and Central Eastern European countries. This year bilateral exchanges and cooperation in many fields as the political, economic, cultural and local are continuously deepened. Both sides are actively exploring pragmatic cooperation under China-CEE countries cooperation mechanism. In the first half of 2013, China-Latvia trade volume amounted to 718 million USD, reaching a year-on-year growth of 6.6%, of which Latvian export to China has increased 39.7%. Such progress is owned to the joint effort by both governments and business communities. And it would not be possible without the care and dedications from our friends. In this regard, I wish to extend our high respect and appreciation to all friends who has devoted to the development of China-Latvia friendship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my honour to be assigned as the Ambassador of China to Latvia, at a time when our bilateral relationship enjoys such a good momentum. I wish to promise my renewed efforts to work jointly with all friends, to further increase political trust, promote economic complementary advantages, deepen humanities and other sectoral exchanges, and push for the continuous development of friendly cooperative relations between our two countries.

Now please join me in the toast,

To China, Latvia, and your health,

Cheers!

Thank you!