Good Afternoon, Excellencies, Chairman, honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentleman. On behalf of Myself, and the Mayoress, Christine, my wife; we thank you for your kind invitation to be with you today, sharing in your celebrations of Chinese the New Year, in this Year of the Dragon. which begins on the 23rd of January 2012.

Of course people born in the year of the dragon, such as my wife, are reputed to be Innovative, enterprising, self-assured, brave, passionate, and quick tempered, The Dragons we know are the free spirits of the Chinese Zodiac.

I was privileged to live and work on Hong Kong Island for two years, immediately prior to the handover of this Territory to its rightful owners, The Chinese People's Republic of China. I found living in Hong Kong and the Territories, to be an unforgettable joy and experience. A period in which I was on the Referees Select List, of the Hong Kong Football Association, as a First Class Referee, officiating at many prestigious games, whilst living in Stanley Fort.

This was a time in which my admiration for the Chinese peoples took hold. From individual industry, social culture, kindness, courtesy, hospitality, and the importance of ' face' made a real impact upon me, and remains with me to this day. Of course all nations have their own unique way of governance, and what works for each country should be respected by others. China is now assuming its rightful place in the world order as a decision maker, expanding rapidly in the free markets, where its currency and fiscal strength, business initiatives and entrepreneurial expertise are greatly admired throughout the world.

I was indeed lucky to have lived a good life within Hong Kong, to have experienced, and witnessed, the strengths of Chinese culture and community. But what of Chinese activities and influence here in our growing city of Milton Keynes?

Well In May and June of 2011, first as Deputy, then later as Mayor, I was privileged to receive Prof Zhang Renshou, President of Gongshang University and Prof Yang Ing, Vice President of Zhejiang Normal University, and their teams, to our city, to sign Mutual Agreements of Collaboration in Education, in conjunction with the Universities of Northampton, Hertfordshire, Luton, and the University College of Milton Keynes. This involves training of exchange Lecturers and students, and delivery and content of course materials.

Progress is such that UCMK Chairman Ms Julie Mills was invited to a detailed visit to those Chinese Universities to develop further this new relationship and understanding, and which has already taken place. I have corresponded severally, to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Taizhou People's Municiple Government, encouraging the progression of mutual interests. As a result, I have, together with the Leader of MK Council Cllr Andrew Geary and CEO David Hill received an invitation for a 9 day structured visit to Taizhou Municiple Government, commencing the 10th March 2012. from Mrs Yan Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of UK China Connection, based here in the UK.

Unfortunately, this will not take place until sometime in June, due to various issues and necessary preparations to be undertaken. I mention these items to illustrate how MK Council and Partners continually strive to improve cultural and job creations for the residents of MK and their children; indeed fostering such relationships and initiatives regionally, nationally and internationally is an important responsibility of the Elected Mayor of this city.

However, it is vital that both UK & MK businesses understand how commerce is conducted and developed, within Chinese culture, primarily through personal contacts, in order to build confidence and respect between participating parties, upon which further developments may follow.

But what of the Chinese residents of Milton Keynes, -Your principle activities include:-

• Teaching Cantonese & Mandarin.
• Promoting vocational and personal development.
• Providing social & educational activities within the Chinese cultural perspective.
• Working with other local and diverse community groups and voluntary organisations with common objectives.

I have leaned that as a registered charity you participate in the MK Council of Voluntary Organisations. You are a member of the UK Federation of Chinese Schools. Your work is carried out by volunteers, and there is always a demand for new volunteers. You do not discriminate in any form. Charitable donations are always welcomed and appreciated, as is any help volunteers are able to provide this Chinese Organisation.

Milton Keynes Council is proud of its Chinese Community, the work that it does within our community to strengthen ties across other groups, which contributes greatly to the cities successful social cohesion, and I on behalf of Council, congratulate the strong leadership of your organisation, for its drive, determination and clear vision provided on behalf and for its members, and I wish you continued success in you future activities.

Thank you again for your kind invitation and courtesy shown to the Mayoress and I.

May I as Mayor, wish each of you, an enjoyable time, as you all celebrate the Chinese New Year