WILLEMSTAD – Chinese Consul General Li Yigang hosted a reception on January 20 to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, sharing messages of unity, progress, and cultural exchange with guests in attendance. Addressing the audience, Li highlighted the significance of the festival and China’s achievements over the past year, while extending wishes for peace and prosperity in the Year of the Snake.
Cultural Significance of the Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, China’s oldest and most important traditional celebration, is a time for family reunions and symbolizes peace, harmony, and amity. Li noted that the festival has gained global recognition, being listed as a United Nations floating holiday and recently added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. He described it as a "bridge for mutual learning among civilizations" and an opportunity for the world to engage with Chinese culture.
China’s Economic and Development Milestones in 2024
Reflecting on 2024, Li celebrated China’s robust economic growth and advancements in modernization. The country’s GDP grew by 5% year-on-year, reaching 134 trillion RMB (approximately $18.94 trillion USD). Other notable achievements included grain output surpassing 700 million tons and foreign trade in goods increasing by 5%, totaling 43.85 trillion RMB.
Li highlighted the rise of new energy industries, with China producing over 10 million new energy vehicles in a single year for the first time. The nation has also deepened its commitment to green growth, innovation, and high-level opening-up, eliminating restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector and improving its business environment.
Commitment to Global Cooperation
In the face of global geopolitical instability, Li emphasized China’s dedication to peace, unity, and collaboration. He reiterated President Xi Jinping’s commitments to maintaining global stability, fostering inclusiveness, and opposing unilateralism and economic decoupling. "China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.
Celebrating Local Contributions
Li commended the Chinese community in the Dutch Caribbean for their hard work, contributions to local society, and support for the Chinese Consulate. He urged the community to continue fostering unity, integrating into the local culture, and strengthening ties between China and the Dutch Caribbean.
Invitation to the Chinese Spring Festival Celebration
As part of the festivities, a public celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival is planned for January 30. The event, co-hosted by the Curaçao Multicultural Organization (DMO) and local Chinese communities, will feature traditional Chinese culture, cuisine, music, dance, and art. Consul General Li warmly invited everyone to join in the celebrations, which aim to showcase the richness of Chinese heritage.
In closing, Li raised a toast to health, prosperity, and success in the Year of the Snake, leaving guests with a message of hope and unity for the year ahead.