Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening. Bonswar.
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to tonight’s Reception as we celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. I would also like to extend my warmest greetings to all of you for your continued friendship and support for China and for China-Seychelles strategic partnership.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past 77 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved great progress. China has transformed from a country once struggling with widespread scarcity into the world’s second-largest economy, lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, and created a remarkable path of rapid economic development together with long-term social stability.
Today, China is embarking on a new journey of Chinese modernization and advancing high-quality development across all fronts. Chinese economy has once again demonstrated its resilience and vitality. According to preliminary figures, China’s GDP reached approximately 69.57 trillion yuan in the first half of the year, representing a 4.7 percent year-on-year increase. Retail sales of consumer goods reached nearly 24.9 trillion yuan, while online retail sales of goods and services exceeded 10 trillion yuan. These figures tell us more than simply the size of the Chinese economy. They demonstrate the continuing transformation of China’s growth model, which transforms from an economy driven increasingly by traditional factors to one powered by innovation, technology, digitalization and green development.
At the same time, China remains firmly committed to opening up. We are expanding high-standard opening up, facilitating trade and investment, and making full use of China’s huge market to create opportunities for our partners. For developing countries, and particularly Small Island Developing States such as Seychelles, China’s development is an inclusive process. We hope that China’s modernization can create more opportunities for shared development and mutual benefit.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In an increasingly interconnected yet turbulent world, China continues to work with the international community to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Over the past several years, President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, offering Chinese solutions to common global challenges.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative and the first anniversary of the Global Governance Initiative. Over the past five years, the GDI has become an important platform for international cooperation, focusing on poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, education, climate change and sustainable development. These priorities are of particular relevance to Small Island Developing States such as Seychelles.
One year ago, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, which advocates sovereign equality, the rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and action-oriented cooperation. At a time of growing uncertainty, the international community needs more cooperation and multilateralism, and greater voice for developing countries. As I recently wrote in my signed article in Seychelles Nation, global governance is not an abstract concept for Seychelles. Issues such as climate change, food and energy security, maritime connectivity, development financing and marine ecosystem protection have a direct bearing on the country’s development and people’s livelihoods. Small Island Developing States therefore have a strong interest in a fairer, more inclusive global governance system in which all countries, big or small, have an equal voice.
China stands ready to work with Seychelles to turn these principles into practical cooperation, particularly in sustainable ocean development, the blue economy, climate action, renewable energy and capacity building, so that global initiatives can deliver tangible benefits to our peoples.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year holds special significance for China-Seychelles relations, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
A particularly important milestone this year was the official visit of Vice President Mr. Han Zheng to Seychelles in March. During his meeting with President Dr. Herminie, Mr. Han emphasized that China-Seychelles relations are a model of sincere friendship, equality, mutual assistance and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes.
The visit was therefore not only an important event marking our 50th anniversary, but also a vivid demonstration of the high level of political mutual trust between our two countries, which provides for expanding practical cooperation across all areas and for jointly addressing regional and global challenges.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past five decades, our strategic partnership has grown from strength to strength. We deeply appreciate Seychelles’ steadfast adherence to the One-China principle and its support on issues concerning China’s core interests. In return, China supports Seychelles in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and in safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Small Island Developing States.
Our cooperation has also become increasingly broad and tangible, from landmark projects such as the National Assembly Building, Palais de Justice and New SBC House, to cooperation in housing, healthcare, education, maritime security, renewable energy and agricultural modernization. The South-South Cooperation Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone Project is now under implementation to support Seychelles’ climate resilience and sustainable development.
Just a few days ago, Minister Pierre Laporte and his Chinese counterpart signed the Early Harvest Arrangement for the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared development between China and Seychelles, marking an important step toward implementing China’s zero-tariff policy for Seychelles. We look forward to seeing more high-quality Seychellois seafood and other products entering the Chinese market, benefiting Seychellois producers and Chinese consumers.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the Embassy has put connectivity at the heart of our activities. This year, we have held the China Day Bazaar, a special cultural performance marking the 50th anniversary, and various youth and educational exchanges. Today, a group of Seychellois students and teachers just came back from Sichuan for a study tour. We have also continued exchanges through Chinese language programs, the Chinese Bridge competition and TVET students training in China. Earlier this month, we launched the Third China Film Festival in Victoria, providing another window for Seychellois friends to experience contemporary China through motion pictures.
These activities may be small, but they are meaningful examples of the Global Civilization Initiative in practice. They remind us that lasting friendship between countries is built not only through government-to-government relations, but also through exchanges among our young people, teachers, artists, businesses and communities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fifty years ago, China and Seychelles established diplomatic relations despite the geographical distance between our two countries. Today, that distance has been shortened by five decades of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding. Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Seychelles to make the most of the historic opportunity presented by the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
We will continue to deepen political trust, expand mutually beneficial economic cooperation, implement the zero-tariff policy, support Seychelles’ sustainable development and climate resilience, and strengthen cooperation in education, healthcare, culture, tourism and youth development.
We will continue to work together to build bridges between our peoples, so that more Seychellois friends can see China, understand China and experience China for themselves, while more Chinese people can discover the beauty, culture and opportunities of Seychelles.
May China and Seychelles continue to enjoy peace, friendship, prosperity and progress. Once again, thank you all for joining us this evening.
Now, I would like to propose a toast:
To the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China,
To the friendship and cooperation between China and Seychelles,
To the health and very best of our distinguished guests here tonight.
Cheers! Sante!