(Feb. 4th, 2002)

Distinguished Minister Yeo, First Vice-President Wang, President Ji and all the staff of COSCO,
Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,
Today I am very pleased to attend the Maiden Voyage Ceremony of “COSCO SINGAPORE”. First of all, I would like to extend an early Chinese New Year greeting to you. I wish all of you happiness and success in the Year of Horse.
At a glance of “COSCO SINGAPORE”, we cannot help holing our breath at its magnificent outlook. A further exploration of the ship would impress us more with its high-tech operating system. This container cargo ship has the most sophisticated equipment, and is kept alive by the state-of-art technology. It is a leading rarity not only in China but also around the world. Seeing this, I am very much convinced that Chinese companies like “COSCO” will surely be able to sail across intense international challenges and competition.
Today, China and Singapore enjoy good relations and mutually beneficial cooperation that is deepening and broadening in various fields. Blessed by a name proper, “COSCO SINGAPORE” went through its maiden voyage safe and sound, carrying with it the sincere aspiration of our two countries for closer cooperation in fields including those untouched before. The Chinese Government and people attach great importance to the friendly cooperation with Singapore and are fully confident of its prospect. Our bilateral relations will step onto a new level, so will the partnership between COSCO and PSA.
I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to the Singapore Government, especially the Ministry of Transport for its constant support to COSCO and the Chinese business community in Singapore. I also thank wholeheartedly Minister Yeo and PSA directors for gracing today’s ceremony.
Finally, I wish COSCO and the ocean shipping business of China further success and greater achievements.
Thank you.