Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
The Honourable Bridgid Mary Annisette-George, Speaker of the House
Senator the Honourable Allyson West, Minister of Public Administration
Senator the Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services
The Honourable Brian Manning, Minister in the Ministry of Finance
The Honourable Keith Scotland, Minister in the Ministry of National Security
The Honourable Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of Tobago House Assembly
Her Excellency Bengü Yiğitgüden, Ambassador of Türkiye and Dean of Diplomatic Corps
Ambassadors and High Commissioners, colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps
Senator Dr. Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim, Vice-President of the Senate
Senators and Members of Parliament
Ms. Reita Toussaint, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Foreign Service, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and other executives of different Ministries and government institutions,
Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, Chief of Defence Staff of TTDF
Ms. Erla Harewood-Christopher, Commissioner of Police, TTPS
Mayors and Chairmen of Cities, Boroughs, and Regions
Representatives of Government Departments
Chinese compatriots, and friends from different sectors
Members of the media circle
Good evening!
It is with great pleasure that I warmly welcome you all to the Reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all friends from various sectors who have long cared for and supported the development of China-Trinidad and Tobago relations. I also extend my cheerful greetings to all Chinese compatriots, both at home and abroad, especially those residing in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dear friends,
75 years mark a significant mile stone of the history of China, through out which period, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, have worked tirelessly to achieve remarkable progress in building China’s comprehensive national strength. Emerging from a struggling and underdeveloped agrarian economy, the country has undergone a phenomenal transformation, becoming the world's second-largest economy, the largest manufacturer, and the largest trader of goods. China’s GDP has surpassed 126 trillion yuan, accounting for 17% of the global economy, and has contributed over 30% to global economic growth for many consecutive years.
In the field of science and technology, China has achieved groundbreaking advancements. We have made significant achievements in manned space exploration, including ambitious lunar and Mars missions, deep-sea and deep-earth exploration, supercomputing, satellite navigation, quantum information, and civil nuclear power. The rapid development of cutting-edge digital technologies, such as AI, cloud computing, and 5G, has propelled new productive forces that fuel China's high-quality growth. These innovations have helped China to become the first country to surpass four million domestic invention patents, solidifying our status as a major global innovator.
Over the past 75 years, tremendous changes have taken place in people's lives. the per capita disposable income of Chinese residents has increased 76-fold, lifting nearly one billion people out of absolute poverty and ushering in a prosperous and thriving society. Life expectancy has risen from 35 to nearly 80 years, and China has built the world's largest healthcare, education, and social security systems. Consequently, the quality of life for the Chinese people, both materially and spiritually, has improved significantly.
China's openness to the world has yielded impressive results. Our two-way investment has topped global rankings, and the Chinese market continues to grow in its attractiveness and influence worldwide. With 22 pilot free trade zones, one free trade port, multiple large-scale exhibition platforms, and various bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, China's openness has steadily expanded. China has pioneered a path of opening up with Chinese characteristics, injecting inexhaustible impetus to world economic development.
China has made notable strides towards fostering global peace and development. We have consistently pursued an independent foreign policy centered on peace, emphasizing mutual benefits and cooperation with other nations. China has forged extensive Belt and Road cooperation with more than 180 countries and international organizations, setting up the world's largest and most comprehensive international collaboration platform. We have established communities with a shared future alongside numerous countries and regions, enhancing partnerships in vital sectors such as health, environmental sustainability, cyberspace, and maritime affairs.
China’s development has served as a force for peace, stability and progress in the world. Under the framework of building a community with a shared future for mankind, President Xi Jinping has also put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, which resonate with the universal desires for peace, development, and cooperation. China firmly upholds multilateralism, opposes unilateralism and protectionism, and is dedicated to resolving international conflicts through dialogue and collaborative efforts. We have actively contributed to addressing significant issues, including those concerning the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear situation, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recently, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation took place, highlighting China’s robust solidarity and partnership within the Global South.
In confronting the unprecedented turbulent global conditions, as the world's largest developing nation and a major country, China has a responsibility to champion justice and take resolute action during critical global shifts. We advocate for an equitable and fair multipolar world order, as well as inclusive and open economic globalization. China remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding world peace and advancing global progress. Simultaneously, we are dedicated to aligning China's growth with the world's progress, assisting other developing countries in achieving prosperity while preserving their autonomy, and working collaboratively to construct a peaceful, modernized global landscape.
Dear Friends,
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Trinidad and Tobago, representing a significant milestone in our bilateral ties. Throughout the years, we have fostered a positive trajectory of development, enhanced political trust, and productive collaboration across multiple sectors, yielding benefits for the citizens of both nations. This year has witnessed an increase in people-to-people exchanges and fruitful partnerships. Notably, several high-level delegations from China have visited Trinidad and Tobago, resulting in constructive consensus on exchanges and cooperation at various levels. Earlier this month, Senate President Nigel de Freitas led a delegation to China to participate in the 4th China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, which has invigorated the practical economic and trade collaboration between China and T&T, as well as the broader Caribbean region. Additionally, prominent Chinese high-tech firms took part in the Trade and Investment Convention in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Angostura Company successfully signed an agreement to export rum to China, marking its re-entry into the Chinese market. Furthermore, Trinidad and Tobago is set to engage in the National Pavilion at the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo later this year, which we anticipate will create further opportunities for economic and trade collaborations.
As we look toward the future, China is poised to seize the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations as an opportunity to further align our development strategies, enhance friendly exchanges, and continue to work hand in hand as trusted friends and partners. In doing so, we will strengthen our comprehensive cooperative partnership and chart an even brighter future for China-T&T relations.
Dear Friends,
Time has flown by so fast, and I find myself nearing the end of my four-year tenure in Trinidad and Tobago. I recall when I first arrived in this beautiful country, I published an article in the local newspaper, noting that the name "Trinidad and Tobago" in Chinese means "a land of abundance.” It sparked my excitement for the adventures ahead. Serving as the Chinese Ambassador has been a whirlwind, with many rewarding experiences. I have had the pleasure to visit every cities and regions across Trinidad and Tobago, receiving unwavering support from the government and forging friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. This deep-rooted friendship between China and Trinidad and Tobago has provided me with tremendous wisdom and strength to pursue my work here.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my sincere thanks to the government of Trinidad and Tobago, to all the ministers, including those here today, and to my friends from various sectors for the support and assistance you have provided during my tenure. I have learned so much from all of you, and these will be treasures that I will carry with me for life. I would like to especially thank Minister Amery Browne for his unreserved support, and highly commend his exemplary diplomacy, which focuses on contributing to national development and the well-being of the people, showing the diplomatic art to the fullest. Working with the Honourable Minister Browne has been the greatest privilege of my life.
Before I conclude, I’d like to share that this week coincides with China's Mid-Autumn Festival, which symbolizes harvest, reunion, and happiness. Today, we have prepared traditional Chinese mid-autumn snacks—mooncakes—for everyone to enjoy. Wish you all share the joy of this festival and for even more prosperous and harmonious relations between China and Trinidad and Tobago!
Now, I propose a toast,
To the peace and prosperity development of our great nation!
To the everlasting friendship and well-being of our great people!
To the health and success of all distinguished guests!
Cheers!
