The event started with the welcome speech from Mr. Carlo Thelen, CEO/Director General of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Carlo Thelen mentioned that, after two years’ online events, the celebration could finally take place in a physical form. Mr. Carlo Thelen further stressed the long-lasting friendship and reliable partnership between Luxembourg and China. 2023 would be a year we see prosperity.

We were honoured to have H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, speak at our reception. H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel said he was confident that China and Luxembourg would continue to cooperate closely on an international level. Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Luxembourg. The China-Luxembourg relationship has evolved steadily. It is important to honour the past, celebrate the present and prepare for the future. He wished good health, and a successful year ahead.

Mr. Franz Fayot, Minister of the Economy of Luxembourg, gave his New Year wishes at the reception. Mr. Franz Fayot said 2023 would be brighter than the past three years, and he was confident that 2023 would be the year that we go back to stability. He hoped that we would bring back more peaceful times, a healthy and successful year of rabbit.

Ms. Yuriko Backes, Minister of Finance of Luxembourg, was also present at the reception. Ms. Yuriko Backes said she was particularly happy to be at the Chinese New Year reception and she stressed the sense of responsibility with lessons from the pandemic. She is planning to go to China in the year of 2023 , and she mentioned that a lot more can be done between Luxembourg and China and we should not fight protectionism with protectionism.

We were also humbled to have H.E. Mr. Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg, present at the reception. H.E. Mr. Hua Ning expressed his gratitude and stressed that Luxembourg has always been a major trade and economic partner of China. Luxembourg and China having the most dynamic relationship and mutual respect is the key to such relationship. He hoped to see the economic engine fully restart in the post-Covid era and Luxembourg continue to be the leading partner of China within the EU.

Ms. Grace Li, Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, gave her best wishes for the new year. She mentioned the unique culture and business environment of Hong Kong and her wishes to create a brighter future together. The New Year is a new beginning, she wished happiness and peace for everyone in the Year of Rabbit.

Ms. Zhujun Xie, President of the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, expressed her gratitude to members and stakeholders of ChinaLux for their support during the past year. Taking the opportunity of this event, she mentioned CHINALUX would turn 10 years in 2023. The goal of CHINALUX is to strengthen the ties between China and Luxembourg. She wished all the best for everyone in the Year of Rabbit.

Mrs. Françoise Thoma, CEO of Spuerkeess, concluded the speeches and announced the start of the cocktail reception. She was impressed by the positive energy of the event and happy to see the fruitful cooperation between China and Luxembourg in a different context. At the end, Mrs. Françoise Thoma concluded that together, we could make a remarkable difference.

Again, great thanks to our distinguished guests, and our members and friends joining us for this wonderful Chinese New Year reception. May the upcoming year will be full of new achievements that will bring you a huge success. Happy New Year!