Ministers and members of the National Assembly,
Dear colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps,
Members of the Surinamese Chinese United Association,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. On behalf of Ambassador Kumar and Ambassador Supratikto, I'd like to thank you for joining us at the Asian Night Gala event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in cooperation with the Indian and Indonesian Embassies and the Chinese Culture and Art Center of Suriname. It's the second time for us to work together to showcase the dynamic Asian culture and its harmonious coexistence within the splendid multi-cultural society Suriname. It will provide a unique opportunity for people here to experience authentic Asia and enjoy wonderful performances, in particular, modern Chipao (choengsam) designed by Ms. Gong Hangyu a well-known Chinese artist, amazing Indonesian fashion and incredible dance performed by artists from India.
What makes this year's event more special is that it coincides with the celebration of the 41st anniversary of the independence of Suriname and the 40th anniversary of China-Suriname diplomatic relations, which have been growing from strength to strength, with enhancing mutual trust, fruitful cooperation in a wide range of fields and vibrant people-to-people exchanges over the past four decades.
This year, to mark the achievements in our bilateral ties, our embassy has been working closely with the Surinamese government and many social organizations including the Suriname Chinese Friendship Association, Association of Chinese Enterprises in Suriname and the Surinamese Chinese United Association. Thanks to our concerted efforts, we have successfully hosted receptions, issued the commemorative envelop, presented cultural performances and co-organized the Chinese Film Festival. I'm delighted to see the seeds of friendship sowed 40 years ago, or even 163 years ago since Chinese people first came and settled down here, has been nurtured to grow into strong trees.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Due to downward pressure of the global economy, drastic dropping of commodities in the international market in particular, Suriname has encountered temporary difficulties and hence been committed to economic restructuring and recovery. China is also faced with challenges, striving to shift the traditional mode of development into green, inclusive, innovative, quality and sustainable growth. We see the challenges rather as an opportunity to explore our potentials, open up wider to cooperation and achieve higher-standard development. We stand ready to share our experience with Suriname and other Caribbean countries in better governance as well as integrate our respective strategies of development. A few figures may explain better. China is now Latin America's second largest trading partner. Attracting 150 billion US dollars of direct investment from China, Latin America has become our second largest destination of investment abroad. In the next five years, China will import more than 8 trillion US dollars commodities and invest some 750 billion US dollars abroad. 700 million Chinese tourists will travel abroad, many of whom I believe will be very interested in coming to the Caribbeans. We are more than happy to share the opportunity of development with the Caribbean countries so that we can grow stronger and prosper together.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Though separated by mountains and oceans, Asia and Latin America have never been far apart. Our ancestors from China, India and Indonesia found their way here more than one century ago, settled down and worked hard not only to make their life better, but also contribute to the development of Suriname. More importantly, they have been serving as a bridge between their countries of origin and Suriname, so that we now stand side by side and share weal and woe with Suriname. This is precisely why we are here today. To celebrate the close bond and friendship between Suriname and Asia. To celebrate the thriving multi-ethnicity of Suriname and its fighting spirit!
With that, I would like to wish the Asian Night success and everybody present here a wonderful evening.
Thank you.