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REMARKS
BY THE HONOURABLE VINCENT PEET
ACTING MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
AT THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
SANDALS HOTEL, CABLE BEACH, NASSAU
30 SEPTEMBER 2004
Although
the record of China as a viable state goes back thousands of years, the
date, October 1st 1949, is as significant as any of the other
important dates and events in Chinese history, as it stands out as a
prominent watershed, marking the beginning of the modernization of the
social, political and economic spheres of Chinese civilization.
Over the
past 55 years, since the founding of the People’s Republic of China,
the Chinese people have made remarkably progressive strides in
alleviating the common economic and social problems such as inadequate
food, housing, health care and employment, which seem to beset most
developing countries.
It is
certainly a notable accomplishment that over the past fifty-five years
the world’s most populous nation has emerged as the fastest growing
economy and the number one location globally for foreign direct
investment.
In
addition, China has pioneered so relentlessly over the years in the
field of science and technology that she was able to engineer a
successful voyage of a manned spacecraft, last year.
This was a triumph not only for China but also for the entire
developing world.
These and
other examples are indeed noble and outstanding achievements and they
serve as an inspiration to many emerging economies around the world to
strive for those significant returns that accrue when a people exploit,
in a determined and rational way, their own resourcefulness and
ingenuity.
It has only
been seven years since The Bahamas and China established diplomatic
relations, but in that short space of time, much has been accomplished;
and many Government officials at the national and state level in China
have visited The Bahamas, bringing goodwill and inspiration.
To date,
the highlight of these visits was the tour by Vice Premier Madame Wu Yi,
in January of 2003. In
addition, there have been several visits by the Chief Executive Officers
and Presidents of top-ranking Chinese corporations such as the China
International Trade and Investment Corporation and the China Ocean
Shipping Company, with the objective of identifying business and
commercial activities that could be established in The Bahamas to
provide an important trade and investment link between China and the
entire region.
The
Commonwealth of The Bahamas is proud to be regarded as a close friend of
the People’s Republic of China; and the Official Visit in August of
Prime Minister Christie to Beijing, Shanghai and Fuzhou underscores the
fact that the friendship between our two countries continues to grow
stronger and deeper.
In this
regard, I would like to thank the Government and people of China
publicly, on this occasion, for the generous gift of a multi-purpose
stadium, which was granted to the people of The Bahamas during the Prime
Minister’s visit.
Coming at a
time when The Bahamas is enjoying its fair share of successes in
international sports, this gift would go a long way in the development
of the youth of this country.
It augurs
well for the future of our global community when nations can co-exist in
peace and friendship; and as we celebrate the 55th
Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, it the
hope of the Government and people of The Bahamas that China will grow
from strength to strength and play its full role in fostering global
peace, prosperity and harmony.
Thank you.
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