Distinguished guests and friends:

Good evening!

Welcome to the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, and celebrate together the Chinese New Year! I would like to hereby, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, extend my sincere greetings and best wishes to Chinese nationals and overseas Chinese living in New South Wales, to the Chinese companies and institutions, to Chinese students studying in Australia and guests and friends here today. I wish you all a happy Chinese New Year, happy family life, booming business and all the best in the year of the Rooster!

In 2016, the Chinese and Australian leaders have met at multiple occasions, and expressed the firm confidence in moving forward the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a sound and steady fashion. China and Australia will commemorate the 45^th anniversary of diplomatic relationship in 2017, and it will be a milestone in the bilateral relationship between our two countries. Over the past 45 years, the two countries have been achieving new accomplishments continuously, and likewise, China and New South Wales have been gaining new grounds in their connections. This could not have been possible without the support of friends from all walks of life, and the contribution by many Chinese nationals and overseas Chinese living in New South Wales. On the occasion of the Spring Festival this year, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you!

Distinguished guests and friends,

The year 2016 that has just passed marked the beginning of the decisive phase in the national effort to build China into a comprehensive moderately prosperous society. In 2016, China has seen its GDP grow by 6.7%, which has not only made a good start for the implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan, but also instilled new dynamism into the world economy. Last year, during the G20 Hangzhou Summit and the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, China put forward quite timely a China solution to strengthening global governance, achieved a series of important outcomes that are groundbreaking, leading and institutional, and steered the international political and economic system in a more justified and rational direction.

In 2017, China will continue to positively seek for new mode and methods of global governance together with the international community, upholding the spirit of win-win cooperation and mutual benefit, aiming at the historic theme of peace, development and prosperity. In the new year, China will host two international meetings of great significance, which are the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the 9^th BRICS Summit. China takes these two functions as important opportunities to deepen the cooperation with relevant countries in both bilateral and international spheres so as to improve the common development and strive for the shared prosperity. We can say with confidence, that China shall draw a inspiring development blueprint for the future global governance, hand in hand with the international community,  and shall make more positive contribution to promoting world peace, stability and sustainable development.

 Finally I would like to propose a toast,

- For a better future of the China-Australia relationship,

- For more in-depth friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and New South Wales, and

- For your ever greater work, and ever harmonious life,

Cheers!

Thank you all!