Some of China's and Britain's biggest political and business
figures gathered in London on Thursday for a special New Year gala
dinner to celebrate the rapidly approaching Chinese Year of the Dog
and growing Sino-British relations.
The 48 Group Club, a London-based organization devoted to
promoting trade ties between the two countries, held its 2006
Icebreakers Chinese New Year Dinner at the city's Guildhall on
Thursday night.
Around 560 dignitaries from both Britain and China descended on
the event; among them were British Deputy Prime Minister John
Prescott and Zha Peixin, the Chinese ambassador to Britain.
Both Prescott and Zha were given "icebreaker awards" by the 48
Group Club for their contributions during 2005 to the Sino-British
relationship.
Zha, who has served as Chinese ambassador to Britain for the
past four years, was cited as an "ambassador for us all" by
Alderman David Brewer, the lord mayor of the City of London.
Speaking at the gala, Zha said Britain, the number one European
investor in China, has established good ties with the country, and
together both nations could contribute further to world development
and peace.
In a country where people have a special love for dogs, Zha
wished, the coming Year of the Dog will bring good luck to all
British people.
The new Chinese lunar year begins on Sunday, January 29. The
period of celebration, called the Spring Festival, is one of
China's most important public holidays and is traditionally a time
for family Reunion and relaxation.
Before the dinner, the 48 Group Club also awarded the University
of Nottingham the prize of "UK Outward Investor"; Choice Waste
Management Ltd was named as 2005 "UK Exporter" and Midea Ltd
received the "Chinese Inward Investor" title.
The 48 Group Club, established in the 1950s to promote trade
between Britain and China, provides support and consultancy
services to British companies entering China's markets.
(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2006)
