Chinese Business Interests in Luxembourg Welcome Year of the Rabbit

On Thursday 19 January 2023, the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ChinaLux) held a Chinese New Year Reception at the BCEE (Spuerkeess) headquarters in Luxembourg-ville, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels.

Although the venue had a maximum capacity, Chronicle.lu learnt that the event had been over-subscribed, with a significant number of people unable to attend. Nevertheless, the 250 people who were there were treated to both formal and informal parts to the evening.

The formal part of the evening was introduced by Jacques Bortuzzo, China-Lux Vice-President, and involved no less than eight speeches, some longer and some shorter... He welcomed the guests, speaking in both English and in Mandarin, as well as in Luxembourgish.

Carlo Thelen, CEO/Director General at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, speaking in English, referenced the Year of the Rabbit starting in just a few days’ time. He referenced the lack of such an event over the past couple of years due to the COVID pandemic and also mentioned the renovations currently being undertaken at the Chamber of Commerce’s building in Kirchberg, thanking the BCEE for their hospitality this evening. He talked about China and Luxembourg celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations last year, and also raised trade relations concerning both services and products. He said he was looking forward to restoring trade missions to China.

Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister, speaking mainly in English, acknowledged to the Chinese community in Luxembourg and said he was thankful that we have now cone out of the COVID pandemic. He referenced human rights and the war in Ukraine. He talked about diplomatic and cultural relations and said he was looking forward to a successful future together. He concluded by wishing everyone a Happy New Year of the Rabbit in Mandarin.

Franz Fayot, Luxembourg's Minister of the Economy, referenced the COVID pandemic and its current variants, hoping that 2923 will bring us back to stability. He confirmed that China is a strong trade partner for Luxembourg, and said that he hopes that 2023 will bring peace. He stated that, in China, the Year of the Rabbit stands for peace, prosperity and longevity, and referenced the war in Ukraine.

Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Finance, speaking in English, pointed out that thus is the 15th time the Chamber of Commerce is organising such an event. She also hopes for peace snd intends to travel to China with the official Luxembourg delegation later in the year. A strong sense of responsibility is a virtue of the Year of the Rabbit, she referenced, and she hopes for everyone to take responsibility fir a number of issues, including climate change and the global food shortage. She called for a multinational dialogue that works and hopes for stronger relations between China and Luxembourg going forward.

His Excellency Hua Ning, Ambassador of China to Luxembourg, who spoke in English too, acknowledged that this was his first time celebrating the Chinese New Year in Luxembourg. He mentioned that, despite many challenges, China’s economy grew last year and has doubled over the past 10 years. He mentioned that more Chinese companies are coming to Luxembourg and also talked about modernisation and expansion, also referencing intellectual property rights. He confirmed that, despite Luxembourg’s size, it is China’s preferred partner for entering the EU, describing the relationship as dynamic. He mentioned China adapting its COVID-19 policy and measures, leading to a return to normal life and enabling families to celebrate together this spring festival. He concluded by wishing everyone prosperity and success for the year ahead.

Grace Li, Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, spoke too in English, welcoming everyone to the celebrations of the Chinese New Year. She referenced Hong Kong, stressing its importance for international business as well as its aims to become a hub for international cultural exchange. She highlighted some attributes of the rabbit, including harmony, concluding her speech in Mandarin.

Zhujun Xie, China-Lux President, extended a warm welcome to everyone in attendance. She referenced the Year of the Rabbit and China-Lux’s aims for the year to create new business opportunities to support economic and cultural happenings. She mentioned plans to organise a Gala Dinner at the Cercle Cité later in the year, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ChinaLux.

Françoise Thoma, Spuerkeess CE, was the last speaker and said she was impressed by the event’s audience as well as with all the speeches delivered. In these uncertain times she said we need peace and prosperity, attributes of the Year of the Rabbit. She referenced the difficulties of the past few years. She concluded by stating “Together we can make a remarkable difference”.

The speeches were followed by a networking cocktail; this year there was no cultural entertainment laid on, no Chinese dragons, etc., as there had been in previous years; nevertheless, all those attending appreciated being able to network together.

(above): His Excellency Hua Ning, Ambassador of China to Luxembourg