On September 11, the Chinese Ambassador to Estonia H.E. Mr. Qu Zhe held a reception to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Nearly 350 guests attended the event, including Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, former Estonian President Arnold Rüütel, Chair of Estonia-China Parliamentary Group Helmen Kütt, Chief of Staff of Estonian Defence Forces Col. Martin Herem and guests from different sectors, ambassadors residing in Tallinn and representatives of Chinese community in Estonia.
In his remarks, Ambassador Qu overviewed the outcome of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing last May. "29 heads of state and government and 1,500 participants attended the event, reviewing what have done in the past four years, and charting the course for a shared future," said the Ambassador. "Based upon the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we are confident, to work with partners and friends, to turn the Initiative from a vision into reality," he added.
The Ambassador also gave a brief overview of Chinese economy in the first half of this year. He said the Chinese economy grew 6.9% in the first and second quarters of this year. The growth rate is well above the government's target for the year of 6.5%, reflecting a firm trend in our economy. He pointed out that China's economy is shifting towards an innovation driven model after many years of structural reform. Emerging new technologies, new businesses, new models and new industries is supporting the robust and more balanced growth. "It is estimated that the country is expected to import 8 trillion US dollars of goods, introduce 600 billion US dollars of foreign investment, invest 750 billion US dollars overseas in the coming five years, China will continue contributing to global growth in the years to come," said the Ambassador.
Ambassador Qu also expressed his satisfaction on the bilateral relationship between China and Estonia in recent years. "26 years ago today, China and Estonia established diplomatic relations. With joined efforts from both sides, our bilateral relationship has made new progress this year," said the Ambassador. He gave an overview of the bilateral cooperation between China and Estonia in trade, energy, e-commerce as well as within the format of the Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries. "We are ready to work with our Estonian friends to build a stronger relationship for the benefit of both our countries and our peoples," the Ambassador added.
During the reception, the Shanghai Luwan Middle School orchestra performed three pieces of Chinese folk music. Works by artists and craftsmen from Shanghai such as Chinese knot buttons and Script Brick Rubbing were displayed. The Tallinn University Confucius Institute presented their language course and cultural programs. Huawei Company also presented their smart phones and tablets that were launched recently in the Baltic market.
