（December 17, 2011, New Delhi）

Mr. R V Kanoria, Vice President of FICCI，

Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII,

Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty, President of the Institute of Chinese Studies,

It’s indeed a great privilege for me to host this reception in honor of H.E. Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, Secretary General of Boao Forum for Asia and his charming wife.

I am very grateful to all Indian Friends present here tonight for sparing your weekend to join me to welcome Ambassador Zhou and his wife.

Ambassador Zhou is a well-known seasoned Chinese diplomat. He has served on several important posts, among them are the Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Vice Minister of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Ambassador to the United States. He became the Secretary-General of Boao Forum in 2010.

Ambassador Zhou is currently visiting India at the invitation of FICCI. Prior to his visit in Delhi, Ambassador Zhou visited Gujarat and met business people there. During his stay in Delhi, Ambassador Zhou is going to meet Indian government officials, members of business communities and experts of think-tanks and research institutions of Indian.

As a fast emerging economy, we are happy to see that India has become increasingly active in participating activities of Boao Forum.

I am sure, Ambassador Zhou’s visit will further promote the understanding and cooperation between the Forum and India, and also contributes positively to the bilateral relationship and cooperation between China and India-two close neighbors and fast growing economies in the world today.

Without further do, I give the floor to Ambassador Zhou.

Please, Ambassador Zhou.