Hon. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs,

H.E. Amb. Salem M. Adam,Vice-Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On this jubilant occasion of the founding of the People's Republic of China, I would like to extend my warm welcome to all the distinguished guests present here this evening.

The founding of PRC in 1949 ushered in a new era in China's history. Over the past 56 years, China went through dramatic changes and scored great achievements. Since 1978 when China started its reform and opening up efforts, China's GDP growth rate has averaged 9.4%. The Chinese living standards have been significantly improved, and we have achieved all-round socio-economic development. Last year, China's GDP reached US$ 1.64 trillion. In the first half of this year, our GDP reached US$ 814.6 billion, increased by 9.5% over the same period last year. If China's GDP can grow at 7% annually, her total GDP will reach US$ 4.3 trillion by the year 2020. Meanwhile, China is still a low-income developing country, facing formidable difficulties and challenges in its development. For the benefit of the whole nation, the Chinese Government will continue to adhere to its successful policy of reform and opening-up, to develop its economy in a sustainable way, and to build a harmonious society, so as to make the country stronger and more prosperous with all-round socio-economic development.

Ladies and gentlemen

China and the rest of the world are inseparable partners in maintaining stability and promoting prosperity. In recent years, China has been making its contributions in safeguarding peace and promoting common development. We have played a significant and constructive role in the East Asia financial crisis, six-party talks on Korean nuclear issue and the three-party joint seismic work in the South China Sea. China has also served in the past few years as an engine of the East Asia and the world economies. A stronger and more prosperous China will certainly contribute more to world peace and prosperity.

China and the Philippines are good neighbors separated only by a channel of sea. Our bilateral ties have been growing steadily since the establishment of diplomatic relations 30 years ago. I am very glad to note that in recent years our relations are growing in all areas, highlighted by frequent high-level visits, enhanced political trust, fruitful trade and economic cooperation and closer cultural exchanges. Last April, Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a successful state visit to the Philippines. During that visit, our leaders agreed to establish a strategic and cooperative relationship for peace and development. In 2002, our trade volume was only US$ 5.3 billion. Last year, it soared to US$ 13.3 billion. In the first seven months this year, the trade volume hit US$ 9.3 billion, and is expected to reach US$ 17 billion in 2005. Our cooperation in infrastructure, hybrid rice and corn, mining, defense and security consultation, South China Sea and youth exchanges have also been fruitful. As our leaders said last April, the Sino-Philippine relations have entered a golden age of partnership and we are fully confident for our future relations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am leaving this beautiful country very soon. During my short stay of one and a half year here, I have acquainted myself with so many good friends from the government, congress, military, business and cultural sectors, the press, the diplomatic corps, and the Filipino-Chinese community. I am also proud to witness the recent new development in our bilateral relations, which involves my own humble efforts. To say goodbye to all my friends is both emotional and difficult for me. I will go home with lasting memory of your beautiful country and the warm hospitality of the all the Filipino people. No matter where I go in the future, I shall continue to contribute in my humble way to the Sino-Philippines friendship. Instead of saying a goodbye, I wish to say see you all in China!

Now, may I propose a toast

To H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines,

To the 56th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,

To Sino-Philippines friendship,

To the health of our distinguished guests present this evening,

Cheers, Mubuhay!