Foreign Nationals and Hong Kong and Macao Compatriots in Hubei Invited to Attend and Observe the Opening Session of the Fourth Session of the 14th Provincial People's Congress and the New Year Exchange Event

On the morning of January 27, the Fourth Session of the 14th Hubei Provincial People's Congress was grandly opened. Consuls General of France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Russia in Wuhan, officials from some consulates general stationed in Wuhan, representatives of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Region governments in Wuhan, as well as distinguished guests including foreign business representatives, executives of foreign-invested enterprises, renowned experts and scholars in Hubei, and friendly individuals were invited to attend and observe the opening session of the provincial "Two Sessions" and the New Year Exchange Event.

The attending foreign guests listened attentively and gained a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of Hubei's commitment to high-quality development and its continuous expansion of high-level opening-up. Bangladeshi scholar Ghalib noted that the "Two Sessions" serve as an important window to observe and understand China. He emphasized that the scientific formulation and continuous implementation of the Five-Year Plan is a significant institutional arrangement for China's socio-economic development and a "key" to understanding Chinese modernization. Russian Consul General in Wuhan, Zavgorodny Dmitry, highly praised the remarkable achievements in Hubei's economic and social development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, particularly over the past year. British Consul General in Wuhan, Dominic McAllister, remarked that during this observation session, he was deeply impressed by the momentum of scientific and technological innovation. He highlighted the close cooperation between the United Kingdom and Hubei in the field of scientific and technological innovation, working together to promote future innovative development.

Following the opening session, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Provincial Party Committee organized a lively New Year Exchange Event.

In her address, Director Zhang Xiaomei expressed her delight in reuniting with old and new friends during the provincial "Two Sessions" and on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar Year of the Horse. She thanked foreign nationals and Hong Kong and Macao compatriots in Hubei for their long-term and significant contributions to promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries. She noted that Hubei is now comprehensively integrating into the global economic cycle through high-level opening-up and expressed willingness to work with all present to share opportunities and achieve a win-win future. This includes collaborating in areas such as economy and trade, education, and culture. She particularly highlighted that Wuhan is striving to become a national economic center, a national scientific and technological innovation center, a national commerce and logistics center, an international exchange center, and a regional financial center. She warmly invited more foreign friends to experience the diverse charm of Jing-Chu culture and the vibrant development energy firsthand through tourism, exploring local businesses, studying, and working.

During the event, attendees exchanged New Year greetings and shared their observations and expectations of China's development based on their work and experiences. They also engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges. The intangible cultural heritage rubbing experience area attracted many participants, who personally created horse-themed rubbing calendars, immersing themselves in the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture through hands-on activities.

Source: Hubei Foreign Affairs Translation Center