(Sept 27, 2023)

Distinguished guests,

Dear friends,

It's my great pleasure to join you in celebrating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Please allow me, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate-General in Gothenburg, extend my warm welcome to all of you, and thank you all for your supports to my work.

Over the past 74 years, China has grown from a poor and weak country to the world's second largest economy. Since socialism with Chinese characteristics entered the New Era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty, completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, achieved the First Centenary Goal, and embarked on a new journey towards the Second Centenary Goal. The 20th Party Congress held last year drew a blueprint for the development of Chinese modernization, and the Chinese people have embarked on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects. China will firmly pursue high-quality development and high-level opening-up. With these efforts, China will bring certainty and prosperity to the development of the world.

Sweden was the first western country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The East Indiaman Gothenburg opened one of the earliest trade routes between Europe and China. SKF and other famous Swedish companies have cooperated with China for more than 100 years. Over the years, the friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between China and Sweden have brought tangible benefits to the two countries and two peoples. Last year, China-Sweden relations maintained steady development, with fruitful cooperation in various fields and renewed vitality in people-to-people exchanges. Since the beginning of this year, I have visited several cities in the consular district and had face-to-face exchanges with many Swedish and Chinese companies. I have learned that these companies are enthusiastic about investment cooperation, bilateral investment has maintained steady growth, and people to people exchanges have recovered rapidly. By the middle of this month, the number of visa issued by our Consulate has approached the level of the same period in 2019.

I also noticed that the number of Chinese tourists visiting southwest Sweden is increasing. With the increase of exchanges, the friendship between the two peoples has been promoted, and many touching stories have taken place. I believe that as long as the two sides adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, our friendship will be deepened, our cooperation will be enhanced and our future will be even brighter.

Finally, may China and its people enjoy prosperity! May the friendship between China and Sweden last forever! And all the best wishes to everyone and your family!

Thank you!