On 25th January, Consul General Kang Yong and Mrs. Kang hosted reception in CTICC in celebration of Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. Premier Helen Zille of Western Cape Provincial Government, Ald Ian Neilson, Deputy Executive Mayor of City of Cape Town, Maj. General Mbotho, SAPS Acting Provincial Commissioner of Western Cape, Mr Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety of Western Cape Provincial Government, Mr Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development of Western Cape Provincial Government, Cllr Msimboti Peter Lobese, Executive Mayor of Bitou Municipality,city councilors and representatives from business, education and local Chinese community attended the function.

In his speech, Consul General Kang highlighted that China's economy managed to maintain stable growth momentum. The GDP of 2016 reached 6.7% and surpassed 70 trillion RMB (150 trillion Rand) threshold for its first time. He indicated that China has not only benefited from globalization but also contributed to it. With abundant opportunities, China welcomes other countries to share the opportunities and achievements.

Consul General Kang emphasized that the China-African relations are examples of win-win cooperation. The cooperations are not only manifested in economic fields, but also in more comprehensive ways. The most recent establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Sao Tome and Principe is another example that African countries stand firmly with China over issues that are to the core interests of China.

Mr. Kang further thanked the South African government as well as South African people for their cares and help to Chinese people living in the country and the Chinese Consulate General will continue working with governments of all levels in Cape Provinces to promote friendship and cooperation.

In her remarks, Premier Zille said the Western Cape is a place with diversity, and Chinese community is a very important part of the society. She echoed Consul General Kang by quoting President Xi Jinping's speech at the recent Davos World Economic Forum as saying "pursuing protectionism is like to locking oneself in a dark room. While wind and rain may be kept outside, that dark room will also block light and air. No one will emerge as a winner in a trade war". She said globalization and free trade and investment are key to economic development. Western Cape cherishes its partnership with sister province in China and will further strengthen the ties.

Mr. Hu Jianhua, Chairperson of Cape Town China Peaceful Reunification Association and leader of Chinese community, sent his new year's greetings to Chinese community. He said people of local Chinese community took South Africa as their second hometown. Local Chinese community actively participated charity donations and joined local community policing forum to prevent and combat crimes. In the coming new year, Chinese community will continue to work hard in contributing to society and building bridges between China and South Africa.