SHANGHAI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, on Friday delivered a speech at the ceremony for the China National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo.
The following is the translated version of the full text of his speech:
Address by Chairman Wu Bangguo
Of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress
At the Ceremony for the National Day of China
Of Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Shanghai, 1 October 2010
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Speakers of Parliament,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
On this joyous day of grand celebration for the 61st anniversary of the People's Republic of China, we gather here to mark the China National Pavilion Day of Expo 2010 Shanghai. It adds to happiness of the anniversary of the People's Republic, and it brings the Expo 2010 Shanghai event to a new height. At the outset, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, warm welcome and sincere thanks to all distinguished guests attending the China National Pavilion Day events.
Expo 2010 Shanghai is the first such global event hosted by a developing country in the history of the world expo. In the past five months, participants from 246 countries and international organizations have gathered by the Huangpu River to attend the Expo. The Expo site has hosted over 100 foreign leaders and nearly 60 million Chinese and foreign visitors. Together with the over two million dedicated volunteers from home and abroad, they have made "Better City, Better Life" a living reality. In the less than six square kilometer Expo Park, pavilions of diverse styles bearing distinct features of different countries stand alongside each other, hosting creative exhibitions and various cultural performances, not to mention the unique Urban Best Practices Area and the inspiring forum dialogues. Together, they form a vivid picture of the diverse world and the harmonious co-existence of different cultures and civilizations. We have every reason to believe that, with concerted efforts of all sides, Expo 2010 Shanghai will surely be a successful, splendid and unforgettable event. Let me take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to the governments and peoples of other countries, to the International Exhibitions Bureau and relevant international organizations, to all participants for their great support for the Expo and to all friends who have contributed their share to the Expo.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Standing proudly in the Expo Park, the splendid and magnificent China Pavilion, the "Oriental Crown", is a showcase of "Chinese Wisdom in Urban Development". It is living proof of the effort by the Chinese people in pursuit of a better life. It gives expression to the long-lasting belief in harmony as rooted in the Chinese culture and to the vision of a brighter future of China through scientific development.
The Chinese nation has a long history and a splendid culture. For over 5,000 years, generation after generation of the Chinese people of different ethnic groups have lived on this vast land. They have formed a fine character of diligence, courage and self-reliance. They are open-minded and inclusive. They dare to innovate and explore new ways of development. The contribution they have made to the progress of human civilization is significant and indelible.
Over the past 60 years or more since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in an earth-shaking and pioneering endeavor and succeeded in bringing about three historic shifts: the shift from a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society to a new society of national independence, where people are the masters of their own country; the shift from a new democratic revolution to a socialist revolution and development; and the shift from a highly centralized planned economy to a robust socialist market economy and from a closed or semi-closed state to one of all-round opening up. These are indeed epoch-making changes of the Chinese nation. In the past 30 years since the beginning of reform and opening-up, China's economy has maintained rapid growth rarely seen in the world. Our social programs have made progress. Our comprehensive national strength has increased significantly. Our people, on the whole, are leading a life of moderate prosperity, with the outlook of rural and urban areas steadily improving. We enjoy unity and amity among all our ethnic groups, harmony and stability in our society and continued rise in our international standing. China, once an ancient land, is taking on new vigor and vitality.
Looking ahead, we will build a moderately prosperous society at a higher level by 2020 to benefit our over one billion people, and will realize modernization by the middle of this century. This is the grand vision and abiding goal of the Chinese people from generation to generation.
The Chinese people, once plagued by poverty and hunger, long all the more for a life of prosperity and peace. This had made development a common pursuit of the Chinese people.
China has given top priority to development ever since it started reform and opening-up. This has resulted in higher and higher living standards of the people and rendered the belief that development is of overwhelming importance popular and unchangeable.
The Chinese nation is a peace-loving nation. Having suffered from numerous atrocities and wars in modern history, we know all too well the value of peace. And we are keener in the understanding that to uphold world peace is our international obligation and serves our development need at home.
China is the largest developing country in the world, and China's development is based on a large population, a weak economic foundation and a late start in development. China remains and will continue to be in the primary stage of socialism for a fairly long period of time. We are consciously aware that there will be problems and challenges on the way ahead. Yet, we are fully confident about our future, because we have embarked on a road of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and have formulated a system of theories on socialism with Chinese characteristics. As long as we follow this road unswervingly, thoroughly implement the Scientific Outlook on Development, continue to free our minds, remain committed to reform and opening-up and promote scientific development and social harmony, we will certainly make China a socialist modern country that is prosperous, democratic, harmonious and culturally advanced.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Though Expo 2010 Shanghai will be concluded in one month's time, the spirit of progress, innovation, harmony and common prosperity advocated by the Expo will long endure. Ours is a time when people around the world are calling for peace, development and cooperation. Let us join hands to enhance exchanges and mutual learning, deepen contacts and coordination, rise up to challenges, and work together to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity!
Thank you.