Congratulations on the opening of the 9th International Teo Chew Convention. I especially want to congratulate the Shantou Municipal Government on doing such a wonderful job in organizing this convention.
It is very meaningful that this year’s convention is being held in our hometown for the first time ever. Our fellow Teo Chews from all over the world have taken time out from their busy schedules to attend this convention with great pride and excitement. We Teo Chews have always been united and we have always had a special bond. Now, we are all very excited and thrilled as we witness the rapid development of the Chinese economy.
Teo Chews all over the world have spent years building a successful career, and their achievements are well recognized. However, I believe that besides achieving success in life and in business, it is also your dream to see the growing prosperity of our hometown and our motherland. Our motherland has already implemented opening up and reform policies which are driving the new prosperity, and the Chaozhou-Shantou area, with the support of the Central and provincial governments, is also developing rapidly. The support of the municipal government and the concerted efforts of Teo Chews have also helped to develop the commercial and trade industries. However, this process requires a great deal of financial and human resources. This is the perfect time for us to give back to our hometown by making a contribution. Those of us who have built successful careers can contribute our financial resources and our invaluable professional experience to invest in the development of our motherland. Those of us who possess knowledge and technical expertise can contribute our skills and wisdom to add fuel to this engine of growth.
From a macro-economic point of view, a new world economic order built on mutual trust and respect is gradually taking shape. Our motherland holds enormous market potential, and many foreign countries are looking to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with China. After years of hard work, overseas Chinese in every corner of the world have established themselves in the academia and in various industries. At the dawn of the 21st century, the development of information technology is making leaps and bounds, and globalization of the world economy is marching inexorably ahead. Fellow Teo Chews, it is time for us to help promote China’s external links with the international community, and encourage overseas organizations to establish cultural, scientific, academic, and commercial ties with China. We should seize these precious opportunities to expand our interests from the Chaozhou-Shantou area to the rest of China. Under these favourable conditions, we Teo Chews can seize this opportunity to show our patriotism and realize our dreams by making an investment in China.
Thank you very much.