On November 12, 2018, Minister Ma Hui attended and addressed the 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) at London Hilton on Park Lane. Over 500 people from various sectors were present, including Andrew Dismore and Siân Berry, Members of the London Assembly, Priscilla To, Director-General of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, as well as representatives from Chinese institutions and overseas Chinese communities.

Minister Ma spoke highly of the LCCA’s leading role in promoting development of Chinatown, fostering harmony within the Chinese communities and contributing to China-UK economic, trade and cultural exchanges over the past 40 years. Being the key organizer of the Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown and Celebration in Trafalgar Square and the main contributor to the new Pailou (Archway) of Chinatown and Chinese Civic Centre, the LCCA has firmly united the overseas Chinese, promoted the Chinese culture, extended the influence of Chinese communities and enhanced the friendship between China and the UK. He encouraged the LCCA to carry forward its glorious tradition and continue to make contribution in various sectors.

The Minister pointed out that the past 40 years has witnessed both the substantial development of the LCCA and the great achievements of China’s reform and opening up. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China ushered in a new era of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and started a new journey in building a strong socialist modernization country. This will bring new opportunities for the accelerated development of China-UK “Golden Era”. He expressed the hope that the overseas Chinese would continue to make full use of their respective strengths to play a greater role in promoting China-UK friendly cooperation in various fields and serving the interests of the peoples of the two countries.

Chu Ting Tang, President of the LCCA, reviewed the LCCA’s work in promoting the development of Chinatown, safeguarding the rights and interests of the Chinese communities and strengthening the China-UK friendship over the past 40 years. He said that the LCCA would never forget why they started and would forge ahead to further integrate into the local mainstream society and tell China story well to contribute to China-UK “Golden Era”.

Dismore and other British guests also spoke at the celebration. They commended the LCCA and other Chinese communities on their contribution to promoting the economic prosperity and social harmony in the UK and China-UK exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Dismore hoped that more British people could remember the contribution and sacrifice of the Chinese Labour Corps of WWI and give their support in building a monument for them.

At the ceremony, Minister Ma was joined by the leaders of the LCCA to present Community Contribution Award to Li Zhizhang and other overseas Chinese and British awardees.