Remarks by H.E. Li Keqiang

Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

At the Closing Ceremony of
The International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 Beijing China

Beijing, October 9, 2019

Your Excellencies Heads of Government, Deputy Heads of Government and Spouses,

Your Excellencies Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions and President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers,

Diplomatic Envoys and Representatives of International Organizations,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Spanning five-plus months from balmy spring to golden autumn, the International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 Beijing China is now drawing to a successful close. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I wish to express warm congratulations on the success of the Expo and heartfelt appreciation to friends from across the world for their support and participation. My warm welcome goes to all the distinguished guests attending tonight’s closing ceremony.

This Expo, under the theme of “Live Green, Live Better”, has been a spectacular and fruitful event, attracting a record participation of 110 countries and international organizations, and over 120 non-official participants.

At the opening ceremony on 28 April, President Xi Jinping called for a joint endeavor in building a better homeland and a community with a shared future for mankind.

The Expo has celebrated the achievements of green development by different countries and cultures. The over 100 National Day and Honor Day events, and 3,000-odd ethnic and folk culture activities have boosted cultural exchanges, friendship and green cooperation among participating countries.

The Expo has showcased the latest progress of innovation in science and technology. The cutting-edge horticultural technologies on full display herald a bright future of green technology application.

The Expo has provided up-close experiences with Mother Nature. Here, nearly ten million visitors from China and abroad have seen with their own eyes how environmental protection and development advance in parallel, and humans and nature coexist in harmony.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Just several days ago, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic. In the past seven decades, with the hard work and fortitude of the Chinese people, China has made historic progress in economic and social domains and in ecological conservation. Since the beginning of the new century, of the five percent increase in the global green leaf area, one quarter has come from China.

That said, China remains the biggest developing country in the world. We will continue to put economic development front and center, and promote development as the underpinning force for tackling all challenges.

Facing the daunting tasks of growing the economy, improving people’s lives and enhancing environmental protection, we will stick to a holistic approach to pursue both high-quality economic development and high-standard environmental protection through reform and opening-up.

We will stay on the path of sustainable development featuring advanced production, higher living standards and healthy ecosystems.

We will consistently pursue green development by accelerating the shift of the growth model and improving our economic structure. Harnessing innovation, the primary driving force for development, we will foster new drivers of growth at a faster pace, and boost the development of energy-saving and environment-friendly industries and a circular economy.

Green and low-carbon consumption will be encouraged, and we will aim for sustained and sound economic and social progress with less resource input.

We will work to deliver a greener and better life to the people by resolutely tackling pollution and resolving acute environmental problems. We will improve the living environment, with a focus on addressing fundamental, recurrent and long-term challenges, push forward the protection and restoration of key ecosystems, and provide the people with a more beautiful and livable environment.

We will further enhance green cooperation. We will continue to support and follow a multilateral approach, stick to the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, equity and respective capabilities, and actively implement the Paris Agreement on climate change.

We will bolster exchanges and cooperation on ecological conservation and promote the sharing of best practices to help other developing countries, to the best of our ability, to grow a green economy and realize sustainable development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

As I walked around the Park with other leaders earlier in the evening, I was deeply impressed by the picturesque sceneries. I cannot help but hope that such a charming sight can be seen in more places across China and the world.

It behooves us all in the international community to build and leave to our children and grandchildren a beautiful planet to live in. Let us join hands to promote harmony between man and nature and bring a better future to the human race.

I now declare close the International Horticultural Exhibition 2019 Beijing China!