On 12 February, H.E. Yang Zigang, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Suriname, held the 2015 Chinese New Year Reception in the Chinese Embassy. Over 300 guests attended the reception. Vice President of Suriname Robert Ameerali, Foreign Minister Winston Lackin, Mnister of Natural Resources Jim Hok, Minister of Public Works Rabin Parmessar, Chairman of the Suriname Chinese United Association Zheng Guochong, representatives from the local Chinese Community and Chinese enterprises in Suriname, members of the diplomatic corps and the staff of the Chinese Embassy were present.

Ambassador Yang said in his warm remarks that the year of 2014 marked the beginning of China's endeavor to comprehensively deepen reform. The CPC Central Committee, headed by H.E Xi Jinping as General Secretary, has been leading the 1.3 billion people in scoring major achievements in the economic and social development of the country. China's economy has stepped into the phase of New Normal. The GDP of China surpassed 10 trillion US dollars for the first time last year, with a growth rate of 7.4%. The Communist Party of China is comprehensively advancing the rule of law, rigorously enforcing party discipline, and extensively supported by the broad masses of the people. The whole nation is relentlessly pursuing the Chinese dream, which is to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Ambassador Yang reviewed the development of China-Suriname Relations in the past year. He said, the exchange and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of politics, economy, trade, culture, education and military, among others, reached new high. The two heads of state met again in Brasilia, and sent each other letters and messages several times last year. The political mutual trust has been further strengthened. China continued to provide Suriname with considerable amount of grants and concessional loans; the cooperative projects between the two countries proceed smoothly.

Ambassador Yang said, the Chinese New Year was made permanent National Holiday of Suriname last April. It is unprecedented in all countries in the Western Hemisphere, and a realization of the dream of generations of Chinese living in Suriname. It demonstrates that the Chinese community has been an important and integral part of the Surinamese society and their contribution to the development and prosperity of Suriname has gained recognition of the Surinamese government and other ethnic groups. February 19th, is the first day of the Chinese New Year Festival; Grand New Year luncheon and festival temple fair will be held by the Suriname Chinese United Association and the Chinese Embassy. The Ministry of Culture of China specially sent an acrobatic arts troupe from Chongqing to perform in Suriname for the joyful celebration. This is bound to be an all-people celebrated, joyful, auspicious and unique Chinese New Year.

In the new year, Ambassador Yang stressed that the Chinese Embassy will make continuous efforts to promote bilateral relations, deepen friendship and cooperation with the Surinamese side, and assist and serve the Chinese community and Chinese enterprises for their development in Suriname.

Lion Dancers from Chung Fa Foei Kon and artists from Suriname Chinese Arts Center put on exciting performances for the guests. Young calligrapher from the Embassy wrote spring festival couplets for the attendees. Warm friendship prevailed at the reception and all the guests exchanged new year's greetings and expressed appreciation of China-Suriname friendship.