Distinguished HE Mr. Singh, Assistant Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Distinguished HE Mr. Paolo Bruni, Italian Ambassador to China; Distinguished HE Prof. Zuliani, President of the Italian National Statistical Institute; Ladies and Gentlemen; Comrades:

 

At the opening of the International Seminar on the results of the First National Agricultural Census in China, first of all, on behalf of the National Bureau of Statistics of China and myself, please allow me to extend my warmest welcome to all the representatives and guests.

 

September is high season for harvesting in Beijing, there is bright sunshine and cool air. Once the seed has been sown in the fields and cultivated, the harvest can begin. The First National Agricultural Census, which has been intensively cultivated by the Government of Italy, FAO and the Government of China, has achieved its anticipated success. Today, we are getting together here to share the results brought about by the census, and to analyse and discuss the results of the census. I am sure that this conference will confirm that the results generated by the census will play an important role, not only in the development of Chinese agriculture and the rural economy, but also in the reform of Chinese agriculture and rural statistics.

 

To help China with the undertaking of the First Agricultural Census, over the past 13 years, the world community, in particular, the Government of Italy and FAO have effectively provided strong and effective technical support and equipment assistance. Together with this support, the organization of the Government of China and the efforts of the census staff members, the First Agricultural Census in China has completely achieved its objectives. It is an apotheosis of success in international statistical cooperation, and will leave a chapter written in dense and colorful ink in the history of Chinese statistical development. On this occasion, please allow me, on behalf of the National Bureau of Statistics and myself, to express my sincere thanks to the Government of Italy and to FAO, and to all of the international experts and friends who have contributed to the First National Agricultural Census.

 

Thank you.