Hon Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga,

Hon Minister Nikki Kaye,

Hon Minister Paul Goldsmiths,

Hon Phil Goff, MP,

His Worship Mayor Len Brown,

President of ACCC Mr. Kai Luey,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

It is my pleasure to attend this fantastic event to welcome the arrival of the Chinese Lunar New Year, together with friends from all walks of life. The Chinese Spring Festival is a symbol of reunion and hope, and the Year of Monkey stands for wisdom, fortune and good Luck. So in this festive moment, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, I would like to send our warmest greetings and best wishes to all the friends present here today, for a very happy and prosperous New Year!

The year of 2015 was a very critical year for deepening China's comprehensive reforms and an important year for advancing its major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. China has successfully accomplished its "12th Five-Year" Plan and worked out its 13th fifth year plan for economic and social development of next five years. Last year Chinese economy continued to be the top contributor to world economic growth with its growth rate at around 7%. Many achievements have been made in areas of politics, economy, science and technology, culture, social life and diplomacy. Sticking to the theme of peaceful development, China has been actively promoting the common development and prosperity with countries around the world. Many tangible results have been achieved in The "Belt and Road" initiative. Playing a constructive role in world peace, prosperity and security, China actively participated in international and regional affairs such as global governance, climate change and international anti-terrorism etc.

2015 marked the first year for China and New Zealand to implement "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" and build community of common destiny, initiated by both leaders of our two countries. The communications and cooperation between our two countries have been deepened and increased in all areas, such as politics, economy, education, culture, tourism, science and technology. Now, China has become New Zealand's number one source of international students, the second largest trade partner, the 2nd largest and fast growing market of tourists.

The cooperation between China and Auckland consulate district has been further deepened and expanded as well. Guangzhou, Chengdu, Qingdao, Ningbo and Wuxi of China have all been actively involved in more and more projects through their sister cities relationships with Auckland or Hamilton. Guangzhou of China has also joined in Tripartite Economic Alliance together with Auckland, NZ and Los Angeles of USA. China Eastern Airlines and Air China have respectively started direct flights between Shanghai and Beijing to Auckland which added more convenient bridges for the travelers to both countries.

We are delighted to see that our Chinese Compatriots in NZ, Auckland have inherited excellent Chinese tradition and virtue. They not only focus on self-improvement, but also give back generously to local society and have made great contributions to the development of the bilateral relations between china and NZ. Last year, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the end of the World Anti-Fascist War and the Victory of anti- Japanese Aggression war, The event was widely supported by the overseas Chinese in NZ.

2016 is the first year of China's "13th Five-Year" Plan and a critical year of building moderately prosperous society in all respects. China will continue to adopt the development approach featuring innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development. We will further upgrade our economy to a new level, and at the same time make new contributions to the world's economic development. China will continue to pursue peaceful development and open wider to the outside world. Continue to invite foreign investment to china and at same time seek opportunity to invest outside of the world.

We will make all-out efforts to further deepen the the bilateral relations between our two countries and two peoples, by increasing economic and trade ,people to people exchanges, and expanding the traditional cooperation in agriculture and animal husbandry. On top of that, we will also explore new cooperation opportunities in areas of food safety, energy conservation, environmental protection, information technology, bio-medicine and infrastructure, and many others.

We will focus on providing quality and efficient consular services, further improve the well-being of our compatriots overseas, protecting the lawful interest for Chinese citizens as well as the Chinese entrepreneurs and students as well in the consulate district.

The relationship between two countries is based on the affection between peoples. The Chinese Market Day has created a great platform for promoting the development of cultural diversity, mutual understanding and friendship. On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General, I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to NZ government for your long time support to the development of the Chinese community in Auckland and NZ. And I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards ACCC and its staff for their significant contributions to making this fantastic event possible.

Thank you!