and ends on the 15th

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Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Jungao, on Wednesday evening said that he is looking forward to continued cooperation between Guyana and China this year.The ambassador was at the time addressing a gathering at the Chinese Embassy on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.Ambassador Zhang said that, last year, the exchange and cooperation between Guyana and China reached a new height.He added that President Bharrat Jagdeo attended the Summer Davos Forum held in Tianjin, China, and visited Beijing and Chongqing.According to Ambassador Zhang, some agreements for economic and technical cooperation were signed during the visit, and the exchange and cooperation between the two countries were fruitful in various fields.“I am sure through our joint efforts that the friendly relations between our two countries will be continually going forward in the New Year,” Ambassador Zhang asserted.On a different note, he said that the year 2008 was very eventful and extraordinary for the Chinese people.  “We experienced both distress and happiness.”According to him, at the beginning of the year, the Chinese overcame the worst snowstorm in almost five decades and a devastating earthquake in Wenchuan.However, in the summer time, Beijing held the 29th Olympics and Paralympics successfully.“Then we launched the third manned spaceship with three astronauts on board, and made the country’s first-ever space walk.”In the economic field, the ambassador said, the Chinese people tried their best to tackle the global financial crisis and promote sound, rapid economic and social development.“The year 2008 also marked the 30th Anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. The conclusion we have drawn from the practice of 30 years is that we should stick to the policy and remain committed to the path of peaceful development.”“The achievements made by China last year drew the attention of the whole world and got the common respect. It might be impossible for China to realize it without the strong support from the friends of Guyana and the Chinese community here.”Ambassador Zhang also noted that this year marks the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.“Our efforts to build a harmonious and well-off society are facing the new opportunities and challenges.” He added that currently the global financial crisis is rapidly spreading, and world economic growth is dramatically slowing.However, the Chinese Government is taking positive measures to boost domestic demand and is carrying out restructuring.He noted that, in some ways, the crisis means the opportunity. “I’m sure that, through the coordinated efforts, we will overcome the temporary difficulties and transfer the crisis into opportunities. And I’m confident China will play the constructive role for the stable and sound development of international economy, to create the prosperous future for the people.”The ambassador said that in the Chinese lunar calendar, the New Year will be the Year of Ox. “Down the ages, the ox has been seen as the important part of the Chinese household life. It is unswervingly patient, tireless in its work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship.”In Chinese culture, he said, the ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work, and it is the symbol of fortune and hope.“In the Year of Ox, let us carry forward the spirit of the ox, and I’m sure, through our hard work, we will harvest more good fortune and happiness.”The Chinese Embassy celebrated the Chinese New Year on Wednesday with a grand cultural presentation comprised of beautiful dances, songs and Kung Fu displays that reflect the Chinese culture.The function was attended by President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Sam Hinds, and several other Government officials, as well as a number of dignitaries, including US Ambassador John Jones and Caricom Secretary-General, Dr Edwin Carrington.A number of giveaways and presentations were part of the event.Certificates of recognition were given to persons who gave generous support and assistance to the relief work undertaken after China had experienced a devastating earthquake last year.This newspaper understands that the Chinese Community in Guyana donated some $10M to the relief work.Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a rich mass festive culture which enjoys a long history. It is the most important celebration for the Chinese people, in China or in any part of the world.The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar, and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival.