On January 12, 2020, Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Kolkata held 2020 Spring Festival Reception.
Chinese Ambassador to India H.E. Sun Weidong and his wife Dr. Bao Jiqing, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Mr. Zha Liyou and his wife Zheng Huiqun, Chairman & Managing Director of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO) cum representative of West Bengal Government Mr. Debashis Sen, Minister-in-charge, Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal Mr. Sadhan Pande, Rajya Sabha Member Mr Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Nadimul Haque, West Bengal Women Affairs Commission Member Prof. Maria Fernandes, Former Sports Authority of India East & Northeast Director Mr Manmeet Singh Goindi, together with representatives from business, universities and schools, think tanks, consular corps, media, Chinese community, Chinese companies etc., amounting to over 800 people, were present.
In his speech, Ambassador Sun Weidong extended new year greetings and best wishes to guests present, introduced achievements of the People’s Republic of China in the past 70 years and new updates of China-India relations. He pointed out, in 2020, China will win the hard battle against poverty with determination, achieve the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. 2020 also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. We should follow the consensus reached by the two leaders, see the development of the other as its own opportunity, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and inject new impetus into bilateral relations. It is expected that the five states in East India will exert their own advantages to yield more results in the areas of economy and trade investment, manufacturing, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Consul General Zha Liyou welcomed guests from all walks of life to attend the reception and introduced the work done by Chinese Consulate in the past year, including innovative people-to-people exchanges, vigorous economic and trade cooperation, and effective consular services. He looked forward to working with friends in East India to write a new chapter in exchanges and cooperation between China and India.
Mr. Debashis Sen congratulated Chinese people for the Lunar New Year, and highly appreciated Chinese Embassy and Consulate in India for a great deal of work in promoting exchanges between India and China. He looked forward to working jointly to deepen India-China friendship. Other guests and friends warmly welcomed H.E. Amb Sun Weidong to visit West Bengal, and expressed willingness to make due contributions to enhancing China-India friendship and sub national exchanges and cooperation.
During the reception, Chinese Lion Dance Team, Yunnan Cultural and Sports Delegation, Kolkata band Beat Blasters and Women Group led by CG’s wife Madam Zheng Huiqun presented wonderful programs, which were warmly welcomed by guests. The "Exhibition of Tibetan Autonomous Region's Achievements in 60 Years" was also held. Videos on Chinese development achievements were played, and books on China and Sino-India friendship were also available.
The reception continued for nearly four hours, with marvelous decorations and lighting, beautiful flowers and smiles, lovely songs and music, and delicious Chinese food. Ambassador Sun Weidong and Consul General Zha Liyou talked cordially with guests, and took group photos.
Over 30 mainstream English, Hindi and Bengali media, including PTI, Times of India, The Telegraph, The Statesman, Millennium Post, Ananda Bazar Patrika, ANI TV and Kolkata TV were present to cover the event.
