Remarks by Consul General Pan Yundong at the Reception for His Assumption of Office
2011-11-29 19:40

Remarks by Consul General Pan Yundong at the Reception for His Assumption of Office

29 November 2011

Dear Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Harry Lyons,

Dear Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Frank Prendergust,

Dear Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Les Jones,

Dear Mayor of Bury, Councillor Yvonne Crewell,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a great pleasure to welcome you to my residence on this happy occasion this evening. Thank you for honoring us with your presence.

My family and I arrived in Manchester on 27 October. Since then, we have met many new friends, and learned a lot about the United Kingdom and in particular, our consular area. Although winter is just around the corner, we feel the warmth of the local councils, the local people, and the Chinese community. And we have found ourselves quickly adapted to our new life in this beautiful and friendly city. Thank you all for your kind support and help in the past month.

This is my first tour in Manchester. But my one-month experience here has already enabled me to see how important China-UK relationship is. In recent years, China-UK relationship has picked up a good momentum. Take our consular area as an example. Its economic cooperation with China continues to grow steadily to our mutual benefit. Exchanges in cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields are dynamic and productive. As we look forward to the 40th anniversary of our ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations next year, we are confident that our friendly relations and cooperation will continue to grow. This will not only serve the fundamental interests of our two countries, but will also contribute to peace and development of the world at large.

This year is the starting year of China’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan for Social and Economic Development. According to the Plan, China will continue to deepen reform and opening-up and change the pattern of economic growth so as to obtain scientific development. We will expand domestic demands, make better use of foreign investment, and support Chinese businesses in “going global”. It is estimated that China will import more than 1 trillion pounds of goods every year in the next five years. This will bring about tremendous opportunities for economic cooperation between China and the UK and the rest of the world.

Both China and the UK have comparative strengths. Our two economies complement each other neatly. We warmly welcome British businesses to China. I have noted that the UK Government has been taking important measures in response to the current international financial crisis. I was also glad to learn that the UK-China Infrastructure Investment Conference was held successfully in London early this month, sending a very positive message to our two business communities. We hope to work more closely with the UK to enhance our economic cooperation so as to contribute to the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two great nations.

The good friendship and cooperation between China and our consular area wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the local Chinese community in the UK. Over the years, you have been good citizens of the United Kingdom, as well as valuable contributors to China-UK friendship and cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to you for your contribution. I hope you will continue to build the bridge of understanding between our two peoples.

Since its establishment in 1986, the Chinese Consulate General in Manchester has enjoyed a good relationship with the local councils and people in the consular area. As the ninth Chinese Consul General, I will spare no effort in developing China-UK relations. I look forward to having more contact with the people from all walks of life and visiting more places. While I hope to understand more about the United Kingdom, I also hope to present China as it is to this great nation.

As I perform my official duty in the years to come, I hope to enjoy as much support as that you have generously given to my eight predecessors. I hope to establish good relations, working and personal, with you all. If there is anything I or my colleagues can do for you, just let us know.

To conclude, I would like to propose to toast,

To the friendship between Chinese and British peoples,

To the better future of China-UK relations, and

To the health of all present this evening.

Cheers!

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