By Mr. XuJianguo Chinese Ambassador to Grenada

(2011.9.29)

H.E, Governor-General, Sir Carlyle Glean,
Hon. Prime Minister Tillman Thomas,
Hon. Ministers,
Diplomatic corps,
Ladies and gentleman:

Welcome to this reception for the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In the 62 years after the founding of new China, especially in the more than 30 years after the reform started in China, the country has gone through an extraordinary processes, great economical achievements have been made, the people's living standard remarkably improved. The education and cultural life among the people have been raised to a much high level. In the same period, the per capita GDP of the country has increased by 12 times, and the population under poverty line reduced by 200 million.

But at the same time we are clearly aware that although China is the second largest economy in the world, it is far away a developed country and nor wealthy either. China still is a developing country with a large population and will remain so for a long time to come. On its way forward it is facing a lot of problems and challenges such as uneven development, gap between the rich and poor, unemployment pressure, environmental issues and so on. For example, every year there are about 24 million people waiting for jobs. Among them 6 million are university graduates. The situation is severe. So the contradictions and problems faced by the country are seldom seen no matter in terms of size or degree of difficulty. So China's modernization has a long way to go.

That is why we say that development is the utmost task for the country. China is now carrying our its 12th five year plan, concentrating on the changing of the formula of development and restructuring the economic structure, so that the country can develop in a more balanced and sustainable way. In the future more attention will be paid to improving people's living, reforming the system of income distribution, perfecting the social security network and narrowing the gap between the rich and poor, city and countryside, so that every one can share the fruit of reform and development.

Here, I would like to stress that China is committed to follow a peaceful development road and an independent foreign policy of peace. The country will stick to an open strategy based on mutual benefit and win for all, abide by the current international norm in developing economic and trade cooperation with other countries. The country will further improve its economic environment to attract foreign investors and innovate the pattern of oversea investment and cooperation. The country will also continue to provide assistance to other countries, especially developing countries within its ability.

Ladies and gentleman,

China and Grenada are far away, and there is a big difference between the two countries in terms of size and population, but the two countries are on the same footing and are equal partners in international affairs. China has always attached great importance to developing relations with Grenada. We appreciate Grenada's "one China "position. In the six years since the resumption of diplomatic relations, the contacts between the two sides have been frequent and cooperation further deepening. By the end of this year, the first phase of the housing project aided by China will be basically completed. About 350 units will be handed over to the Grenada side. Agreements have also been signed by two sides to continue the cooperation in agriculture and other fields. By now, nearly 300 Grenadians from different walks of life have attended short training courses in China. And at present, there are about 40 young people from Grenada studying in the universities in China. This year the first batch of them have graduated and returned home. The cooperation between the two sides has benefited the people of our two countries. Now new projects are being explored and considered by the two sides. Not long ago, the Third China/Caribbean Economic and Trade forum was successfully held. During the forum, the leaders and business people from our two countries held exchanges and discussions on further developing the economic and trade ties, and reached much consensus. I believe this forum will certainly help promote the cooperation between our two countries for mutual benefit.

Finally, I would like to extend our thanks to all the friends who have contributed to the friendship between our two countries.

Now I'd like to propose a toast

To the friendly relations between our two countries,

To the health of all the friends present here.