On 30th January, Ambassador Zhang Jun addressed audience from the Dutch business community on the occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year reception co-hosted by NCH and the municipality of the Rotterdam. Ambassador Zhang elaborated mainly on the economic situation in China and the cooperation between China and the Netherlands.

In his speech, Ambassador Zhang said in the face of complex and volatile international and domestic economic environment, China's economy has stood against challenges in 2011. China has not only maintained relatively rapid and stable growth, but also made vigorous progress in macroeconomic control, with the structure and quality of its economy further improved. China's development has been playing a key role for global economic recovery. This year, China's economy will continue to face deteriorating external environment and internal macroeconomic adjustment pressure. Nevertheless, the momentum and vitality of economic growth remain strong; the country's fundamentals are not changed. We have strong confidence in the prospect of China's economy.

Ambassador Zhang stressed that China cannot develop itself in isolation from the world and the world also needs China for its development. China has no intention to be the only one to prosper, but to pursue a win-win situation. Chins strongly wishes to have a favorable external development environment, including better international consultation and coordination in macro policy measures, advancing the reform of international monetary system in a steady manner, opposing trade and investment protectionism, and non-politicization of economic and trade issues, so as to create a more favorable environment for global economic recovery.

Ambassador Zhang made positive comment on Sino-Dutch economic and trade cooperation. He said economic and trade cooperation has been one of the most important aspects of Sino-Dutch relationship. In this field, the two sides have established close partnership. While being proud of achievements, the two sides should look into the future and seek to make new progress in economic and trade cooperation. The two sides should make the best of their advantage, tap the potential and deepen cooperation. While maintaining the good momentum in trade, the two sides should broaden areas of cooperation and establish all-round cooperation partnership. While enhancing bilateral cooperation, the two sides should work together to strengthen international cooperation, promote free trade and fight against protectionism.

As for the European sovereign debt crisis, Ambassador Zhang said China keeps close attention on the development of the crisis, and sincerely wishes the stability of the Euro and Euro zone's economy. Now the most needed thing in Europe is confidence, and the most valuable support from China is confidence. China believes that EU has the wisdom and capability to avail the current crisis on Europe's own. As a reliable and trustworthy partner of Europe, China continues to view Europe as a key strategic force and partner of cooperation in safeguarding world peace and development. China has and will continue to afford Europe support and assistance as its capability permits.

Mr. Aboutaleb, Mayor of the municipality of Rotterdam, sent New Year greetings to Chinese people in his speech. He urged Dutch enterprises to seize the opportunity of China’s development and adopt measures to promote Chinese people to buy more Dutch goods and service. He also made positive comment on good relations between Rotterdam and its sister city Shanghai, and said they will co-host various activities this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands.