On Sep. 26th, Ambassador Zhang Junsai held the National Day reception in celebrating the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In his speech, Mr. Zhang said that this year, for China, is very important year for its continued rapid economic and social development. In the economic field, for the first half of this year, we have seen the GDP growth of 11.5%. China's GDP per capital reached over 2000 US$. China has joined middle-income countries according to the criteria of the World Bank. This is a remarkable achievement in China' history given the fact that is has 1.3 billion populations. In the political field, the 17th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party will be held in Beijing in mid October. Surely, this Congress will have extraordinary and far-reaching significance on China's future development.

On Sino-Australia relations, Mr. Zhang said that this year is the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between China and Australia. In the past 35 years, we have yielded remarkably achievements in all fields From January to July this year, the trade volume between the two countries reached more than 23 billion US dollars, 34.8% increased of the same period last year. The exchanges and cooperations in other areas between the two countries have grown in depth and scope. China attaches great importance to its relations with Australia and views Sino-Australia relations from a strategic perspective and long-term point of view. We will continue to promote healthy and steady development of bilateral relations.

He emphasized that just few weeks ago, the Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a second state visit to Australia. During the visit, President Hu and Prime Minister Howard announced the establishment of the strategic dialogue between the two countries. The two governments issued a joint statement on climate change and energy issues, and signed a series of agreements and contracts in the fields of trade, energy, justice and culture. China also agreed to provide a pair of giant pandas to Adelaide Zoo for cooperation research. President Hu's successful visit to Australia has raised mutually-beneficial and practical cooperation between the two countries, and promoted the bilateral relations to a new level.

About 700 guests attended the reception.