As we look toward the arrival of another Chinese Lunar New Year, it gives me great pleasure to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, the best wishes to all my fellow Chinese in Jamaica for a happy and prosperous New Year, the Year of Rooster.

The Chinese people will look back with satisfaction on 2004, a year of great progress and achievement. China became the 6th largest economy in the world with its GDP growing by 9% in 2004, and its foreign trade volume set a record high of US$ 1 trillion, making China the third largest trading nation globally. While providing a better and secured life for its people at home, China won more support and respect in the international arena by raising high the banner of peace, development and cooperation. It was also in 2004 that our athletes gave us unforgettable joys from Athens.

2004 is also a year full of remembrance and happiness as it witnessed the 150th anniversary of the first arrival of the Chinese people in Jamaica. I wish to express my appreciation to the Chinese Benevolence Association which has made great efforts not only to the preparation of the celebrations, but also to the spreading of Chinese culture by funding and opening the Chinese museum and sponsoring lectures and activities, which have contributed to the consolidation of the Chinese communities and the strengthening of the friendship between the Chinese and Jamaican people.

Just before we closed the Chinese lunar calendar for the Year of Monkey, the Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong had paid an official visit to Jamaica, and the 1st ministerial conference of China – Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum co-sponsored by the governments of China and Jamaica had been held successfully in Kingston. Those important events will give great impetus to the further development of Sino-Jamaican relations in the Year of Rooster.

Dear friends, may all your wishes for the New Year come true. May China and Jamaica enjoy great progress in the New Year.

Zhao Zhenyu

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China