Full text of Chinese VP Zhang Gaoli's address at opening dinner of 2013 Fortune Global Forum

CHENGDU - China's Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli delivered an address at the Gala Dinner for the Opening of 2013 Fortune Global Forum on Thursday. The following is the full text of his address:

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening. In this early summer season that beams with vigor and vitality, our friends, both old and new, from the world over are gathered here in Chengdu, Sichuan province, to attend the 2013 Fortune Global Forum. Together, we shall explore global economic trends and look into the future of the Chinese economy. President Xi Jinping had originally intended to attend the forum but was unable to come due to his tight schedule. As a result, he has entrusted me to come, and sent a congratulatory message to the forum. Yesterday afternoon, Premier Li Keqiang had a fruitful discussion in Beijing with some of the business leaders attending the forum. Today, on behalf of the Chinese government, I wish to extend my sincere welcome to all our friends. I also wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the forum organizer Time Warner Inc.

Sichuan is a place that has long been reputed as the "Land of Abundance" in China. Over the years, the hardworking and talented people of Sichuan have built a beautiful homeland. Yet they have also gone through many hardships. Just over a month ago, on April 20, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Lushan county, causing heavy loss of life and property. Thanks to the support and assistance from the whole nation, the people of Sichuan have seized every moment to engage in rescue and relief operation, and scored a decisive victory in resettling the earthquake victims and carrying out post-earthquake reconstruction in an orderly manner. Five years ago, on May 12, 2008, an even more devastating earthquake measuring 8.0 on Richter scale struck Wenchuan county. In the wake of the earthquake, through concerted efforts of the entire country, we managed to complete the post-quake reconstruction programs within three years. In our disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in both Wenchuan and Lushan, the international community, including many multinational corporations represented here in Chengdu, have lent us a helping hand. The Chinese government and people will never forget the kind and timely assistance of the international community. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to take this opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to our friends at home and abroad for their support and assistance in our relief and reconstruction efforts in Wenchuan and Lushan.