Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern,

Hon. Leader Simon Bridges,

Hon. Minister Jenny Salesa,

Hon. Mayor Phil Golf,

Respected members of parliament,

President of ACCC Mr. Kai Luey,

My dear Chinese compatriots,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning!

First of all, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, our best wishes to all the distinguished guests and friends present here today, and through you, to our Chinese compatriots, students, business people, media and all the friends in the consulate district and NZ, for a very happy and prosperous New Year of golden pig!

The Chinese New Year is the time not only for family reunion but also for celebrating what has been achieved in the past year and looking forward to another year of prosperity.

In the year of 2018, China celebrated its 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up, and this year of 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. Over the past seven decades, our nation has turned from a weak and poor country scarred by foreign aggression, humiliation, war and chaos, into the world's No. 2 economy, largest manufacturer, largest trader of goods, and is poised to be the world's biggest consumer of commodities and largest tourist market, creating a miracle in the history of human development. For many years, it contributed more than 30% to the world's economic growth and also accounts for more than 70% of poverty reduction worldwide. China's development has benefited both China and the whole world.

Looking into the future, no matter how the international situation changes, China will continue its peaceful development, implement its higher level of reform and opening up, firmly take its own path that fits its own conditions and in keeping with the trend of the times, while concentrating on people-centered development. China's steadfast determination in the defense of its national sovereignty and security will remain unchanged. Its sincerity and goodwill to safeguard world peace and promote common development will remain unchanged. China will continue to be a staunch supporter of free trade, multilateralism, and rules-based international order. We will continue to work with other countries, to develop a community of shared future for mankind, to forge a new form of international relationship based on mutual respect, justice and fairness as well as win-win cooperation, and push forward the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

China attaches great importance to its relations with NZ. For many years, thanks to the visionary and farsighted efforts by the leaders and friends of both countries, China has become NZ's largest trading partner, largest source of international students, and second largest source of overseas tourists. China plays a unique role of top three major drivers to NZ economic growth, which has brought tremendous benefits to both countries and peoples. The development of our economic is mutually beneficial in nature. Our two economies are highly complementary with each other. The potential of co-operations between our two countries is huge along with the fast growing middle class in China, and the implementation of China's new development concept. I sincerely hope we will make more joint efforts and meet each other to grasp the opportunities, to strengthen pragmatic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative based on equality, mutual respect and mutual trust, so as to accomplish more tangible win-win results for our two peoples. We have always encouraged our companies to conduct business in other countries including NZ on the basis of following market principle, abiding by the local law and international rules. It is our sincere hope the host country will provide fair, transparent and welcoming environment for our enterprises to do business.

Last but not least, I want to thank our more than 200,000 Chinese compatriots in NZ for your contribution to promote the ties and friendship between China and NZ. You have not only made great contribution to the political, economic and social development, as well as the cultural diversities of NZ, but also serve as very important bridges between our two peoples and two countries. The Chinese Market Day has been a great platform for the advancement of cultural diversity, mutual understanding and friendship. I would like to once again express our heartfelt appreciation to the friends in NZ for your longtime support to organize this annual event, to the development of the Chinese communities in NZ, and for your valuable support and relentless efforts to promote stronger ties between our two countries and two peoples. My best wishes again to you all for a very happy and prosperous New Year! Good Luck!