A grand reception was held in Antananarivo on Monday evening by the Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar, Wo Ruidi, to celebrate Chinese traditional Spring Festival, which comes on Thursday.

In his address at the reception, held in festive atmosphere, Wo wished all the Chinese community in the island country a Happy New Year.

He informed his some 450 guests including Chinese businessmen and entrepreneurs, Chinese community leaders and Chinese medical team of the great achievements made in China in the past year.

On relations between China and Madagascar, Wo said that mutual political trust had been strengthened while mutual-benefit cooperation had been deepened.

From January to November last year, bilateral trade between the two countries had increased to 325 million US dollars compared to 250 million US dollars in 2006.

The ambassador thanked all the Chinese in Madagascar for their contribution to all these achievements, saying that he was very satisfied for what they had achieved.

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2008)