Message of congratulations to the 48 Group Club - HE Wang Qishan, Vice Premier
Message of congratulations to the
48 Group Club "Icebreakers" on the occasion of their
2010 Chinese New Year Dinner
From: H.E. Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the State Council, People's Republic of China, Beijing – 9th February 2010
Lord Mandelson, Mr Stephen Perry, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a great pleasure for me to convey my warm congratulations on the occasion of the 2010 "Icebreakers" Chinese New Year dinner hosted by the 48 Group Club.
This past year has witnessed another period of sound development in overall China-UK relations; our top leaders have had frequent, close and productive exchanges.
The impact of the global financial crisis has increased co-operation between China and the UK; the second China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was a success; at the G20 Summit our countries closely coordinated and consulted, as we did with other major international and regional issues. China sent the Trade and Investment Promotion Group on a purchasing mission to the UK, and the UK leads EU countries in making investment in China. All these are evidence of the tremendous potential of our shared common interests that are bound together through strong cooperation.
The world economy has started on a tentative recovery. There is an encouraging upward momentum in China and the UK is on a positive economic trajectory. However, the global economy is still beset by uncertainties and instability and we all face a challenge to put economic recovery onto solid foundations.
In the face of these challenges it is imperative that China and the UK maintain close consultation and cooperation to deal with these major issues of mutual concern. Our aim must be to deepen understanding; expand areas of common agreement; increase practical financial cooperation and boost trade and investment by finding new areas of growth.
On global financial institutions we must join together with the international community to seek and press for reforms. We must stand firm against trade protectionism, and promote a comprehensive and balanced conclusion to the “Doha Development Round.”
Ever since its inception 56 years ago the 48 Group Club has made significant contributions to the friendship and cooperation between China and the UK. I hope that all of you present this evening will embrace and carry forward the "Icebreaker" legacy. Let the spirit of the “Icebreaker’s” be harnessed; use it to renew and influence the forging of deeper business cooperation and apply it to advancing the strategic and comprehensive partnership between China and the UK.
I wish you all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year.
May you enjoy good health and every success in your future endeavors.