Mauritian President Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and other senior government officials joined the Chinese community Tuesday evening in celebrating Chinese traditional Spring Festival which falls on Feb. 7 this year.

In his greeting message at the grand reception, organized by the Federation of Chinese Societies (FCS), President Jugnauth said that Chinese community in Mauritius was a major element in social harmony, national unity and economic development in his country.

He expressed appreciation to the Chinese community, the majority of which have been doing business for generations, for their contribution to the development of the island country, especially in sectors of economy, culture, education and medical care.

Mauritius, which declared Chinese Spring Festival as a national holiday years ago, is the only country in Africa doing so, he said.

FCS Chairman Tang Yun Sing wished the some 1,000 guests present at the reception a happy new year and a prosperous future.

Chinese Ambassador to Mauritius Gao Yuchen said to the guests that the Chinese government and the people are now busy making final preparation for the 29th Olympic Games, scheduled to be held in Beijing in August this year.

He said China would make its best efforts to make the games become an event that promotes world peace and development and strengthens understanding among all the peoples of the world.

He expressed his respect for the Chinese community in Mauritius for their contribution to social and economic development in the island country since its independent 40 years ago.

Artists from the two countries gave performance of musical instruments, acrobatics and dancing at the reception.

(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2008)