Distinguished Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab,

Dear guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening!

The long-expected Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2008 has opened today. In the opening ceremony just now, Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a wonderful keynote speech. In the speech, he summed up China’s development after our reform and opening up for thirty years and expressed his ideas about the present world economy. Chairman Schwab also delivered a gracious address, which left us a deep impression. We feel so delighted to gather together here at such a beautiful night to share ideas and refresh friendship. As the host city of this forum, please allow me, on behalf of Tianjin municipal government, to extend cordial welcome and sincere thanks to Chairman Schwab and the present guests from home and abroad.

World Economic Forum (WEF) has already been an important platform for world leaders, enterprise leaders, international officials, experts and scholars to exchange ideas about the significant events throughout the world. With foresight and sagacity, Chairman Schwab develops the forum from Europe to Asia, to China, opening a new chapter in the history of WEF. But without Chairman Schwab this forum could never be held here in Tianjin, China. Therefore we would like to thank you again, dear Chairman, for your trust, which provides us with an opportunity to let the world know more about Tianjin and Tianjin learn more from the world!

During the forum, the topics around the theme of “The Next Wave of Growth” will be discussed. I believe guests with great wisdom will be inspired in the workshops to seek a better way to achieve the stable and sustainable development of world economy. Ladies and gentlemen, autumn is a harvest season. People across the whole world are expecting to get enlightened from this forum and to plant the seed of hope for the future. Let’s grasp the opportunity in the new wave of growth and endeavor to realize our mutual development.Now, I would like to propose a toast to a complete success of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2008 and to the health and happiness of our dear friends here.

Cheers!