Thank you for joining us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Sixtieth anniversary has a special meaning in Chinese culture. Chinese people have a unique system of counting years, which dates back thousands of years ago. Many people know that in the traditional Chinese system, every year corresponds to one animal and altogether 12 animals are used to identify a cycle of 12 years. But you may not know that we have another cycle, which is a bigger one of 60 years. In this system every one of the 60 years has its identifying name and after 60 years, a new year will have the same identical name of the old one 60 years ago. Therefore, the 60th anniversary indicates the end of the last cycle and the beginning of a new one.

If a person reaches 60, he or she may consider retirement. But for a State of 60 years old, the implication is very much different: that State then is entering the stage of passing from childhood into youth. The People’s Republic of China is now at the historical point of becoming more mature.

We are confident that we have found a right path of development for China and for the welfare of one fifth of the humanity. The achievement being made in the last 60 years has been widely recognized in China as well as in the world as a whole.

We are fully aware that the process of China’s rising-up will and has to be through a peaceful way, history will prove that the variety of theories of so-called “Chinese Threat” is wrong.

We are sincere that we want a better relationship with India. Today in this hall are presented some pictures of contracted projects in Eastern India undertaken by Chinese companies. All these projects are in large-scale and of great importance for Indian economy. Obviously, China is keen on promoting economic cooperation substantially with India.

We are hopeful that a promising future lies ahead for Sino-Indian relationship. It will, to a large extent, rely on the development of people-to-people exchange. Today in this hall is also presented a series of pictures entitled "Tour to Yunnan". Most of the pictures were taken by me a few weeks ago when I was on vacation there. I would like to take this opportunity to suggest to all of you, please do consider Yunnan as an alternative summer resort and a nearby place to explore the beauty and cultural heritage of China. It is only 2 hours flight away from Kolkata and accommodation in Yunnan is not expensive. I am definitely sure that once you visit Yunnan, you won’t regret.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much once again for being with us. Wish all of you enjoy this evening.