Chinese Ambassador highlights strengthening Sino-Lankan ties

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan, speaking at a ceremony celebrating China’s National Day on 26 September, outlined the close and growing links his country shares with Sri Lanka.

The following is his full address.

Honorable Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of the Parliament, His Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Former President, Honorable Mahinda Samarasingha, Minister of Ports and Shipping, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening, Ayubowan!

As the cool autumn breeze of Colombo blows, we happily gather here to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. As the 21st Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, I am greatly honored to witness the development of China with all of you and I am proud of having the opportunity to work jointly with you to promote the development of China-Sri Lanka friendly relations.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to highlight and share the following points with all of you.

First, over the past year, China has undergone tremendous changes. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held successfully, which ushered Socialism with Chinese Characteristics into a new era and established the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. New state leaders and Central Government have also been elected. 

China’s GDP in 2017 reached 82.7 trillion yuan, growing by 6.9% compared with the year before. 12.89 million people in rural areas have been lifted out of poverty. We will stay committed to deepening reform in all aspects and open wider to the outside world.

Growing cooperation

Second, over the past year, pragmatic cooperation between China and Sri Lanka have developed rapidly. The reclamation of the Colombo Port City will complete soon and the second phase of development is about to start. Hopefully, the Port City can become the new driving force of Sri Lanka’s development and the new financial center of South Asia.

HIPG, the China-Sri Lanka joint venture has taken over the operation of the Hambantota Port and the profits have almost doubled. In the future, the interactive development of port, industrial park and city could become the new engine of Sri Lanka’s economy. 

The Moragahakanda Reservoir Headworks Project was completed and handed over successfully. The extension of the Southern Railway and that of the Southern Expressway linking Colombo and Hambantota are drawing to a close. 

Third, over the past year, we have witnessed the friendly exchanges between China and Sri Lanka constantly expanding. High-level visits have become more frequent. Earlier this year, Vice Chairmen of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Mr. Wang Qinmin and Mr. Han Qide respectively visited Sri Lanka. And just a few days ago, we received Madam Li Bin, the Vice Chairperson of the CPPCC, who was on a friendly visit.

People-to-people exchange is a very important part of bilateral relations. China has become Sri Lanka’s second largest source of tourists. There were more than 260,000 Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka in 2017 and this number is estimated to exceed 300,000 in 2018. More and more Sri Lankans are travelling to China. China has also become an important destination for overseas study and training for Sri Lanka people.

Fourth, this year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up. For the past four decades, under the strong leadership of the CPC, China remained independent, relied on its own efforts, upheld the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and accomplished remarkable achievements. China’s GDP has increased from 360 billion yuan to 82.7 trillion yuan, growing at an annual average rate of 9.5%; around 700 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for more than 70% of the global total over the same period. Today, China has become the world’s second largest economy, largest industrial country and largest trader of goods with the largest foreign exchange reserves.

Fifth, this year also marks the 5th anniversary of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI). Over the past five years, BRI has developed from an initiative to a reality, from a vision to an important platform for building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind, and has become a well-received public product internationally. With the active participation of over 100 countries, regions and international organisations, a large number of cooperation projects have been settled.

The value of trade in goods between China and countries along the Belt and Road has exceeded $ 5.5 trillion. China’s non-financial direct investment to these countries exceeded $ 80 billion. We have built 82 overseas economic and trade cooperation zones in these countries with a total investment of $ 28.9 billion, which created 244,000 job opportunities for the local people.

With its promotion and deepening all over the world, the BRI has also become the most important framework of consensus for the friendly and pragmatic cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.

Path ahead 

Ladies and gentlemen, now we are in the best period in history for the friendly and pragmatic cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. Past achievements motivate us to make great efforts today and today’s efforts would definitely create future glory. 

Let’s work together, stick to our goals, overcome all the disturbance, push forward China-Sri Lanka cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, build a community of shared future for China and Sri Lanka, and to bring more tangible benefits to our two countries and two peoples.

Ladies and gentlemen, facing the current international situation with rising isolationism and protectionism, China is devoted to upholding the global trade system based on international rules, acting as a strong force in advocating economic globalisation and trade liberalisation and taking a firm position against protectionism and unilateralism. China’s door of opening-up will not be closed and will only open even wider.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to announce that in November this year, China will hold the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. China has officially invited President Sirisena to attend the opening ceremony, leading the Sri Lanka delegation to promote this beautiful island country, its abundant products and the enthusiasm of its people to the 1.3 billon Chinese people, and to deliver more fruits to the friendly and pragmatic cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.

To conclude, please join me in a toast: to the peace and prosperity of both China and Sri Lanka! To the everlasting friendship between China and Sri Lanka! Thank you!