Hon Tim Groser, Minister of Trade,Hon Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs,Hon Phil Goff, Leader of the Opposition,His Worship Mr. Len Brown, the Mayor of Auckland,Distinguished guests,leaders of the Chinese community and friends,

     Good evening. It's a great pleasure to welcome you all to the reception, and I want to thank you for joining us in the celebration of the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

     At the beginning of this month, New Zealand hosted the 42nd Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland, all went well and the Forum was a great success. Now, the big event in New Zealand is the Rugby World Cup. New Zealand captures the world attention. The All Blacks performs very well. I wish it well in the following matches and wish the Rugby World Cup would be a strong stimulus in the social and economic development in New Zealand.

     This year sees the start of the 12th Five-Year Plan in China. China continues in the deepening of reform, and strives for the balanced, coordinated and sustainable development in the country. In the first half of this year, China's GDP registered an increase of 9.6%, had an increase of 6 and half million jobs in employment, over 30% increase in government revenue, and achieved steady improvement in people's income and social welfare.

     Recently, China issued the white paper on peaceful development, stressing that peaceful development is China's strategic choice to realize its modernization and prosperity.

     China integrates itself with the rest of the world with an open attitude, expands and deepens the opening-up strategy, and strengthens exchanges and cooperation with other countries.

     China advocates the building of a harmonious world of durable peace and common prosperity and works with other countries in pursuing this goal.

     China will steadily promote the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with the countries of the world. And will make further contribution to the world peace and development.

     I am pleased to note that Sino-New Zealand relationship has maintained sound momentum of development. There have been frequent exchanges of high-level visits. New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Hon Bill English paid an official visit to China in April. The Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu just concluded a successful visit to New Zealand this week. The implementation of China-New Zealand FTA goes well. We have also seen fruitful results in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand. I am sure that our bilateral relationship will be further deepened, bringing mutual benefit to the people of our two countries.

     This year is the centennial anniversary of the 1911 Revolution which overthrew the feudal dynasty and established the republic. The local Chinese community commemorate this significant event in different forms to carry forward the spirit of the Revolution. The wishes of Dr Sun Yat-sen, leader of the revolution to unify China and rejuvenate the Chinese nation will always be remembered by the Chinese people.

     I'd like to extend sincere thanks to the local Chinese community and our Kiwi friends who have given support to China for its development and to the promotion of China-New Zealand friendly relationship.

     To conclude, may I propose a toast: To the friendship between the people of China and New Zealand, To the health and well being of everyone here tonight. Thank you!

     Cheers!