The China International Publishing group (CIPG) is an umbrella organization for a variety of governmental publishing organizations, including the China Internet Information Center (CIIC, its website: www.china.org.cn). On December 14 the CIPG held its annual Appreciation & Happy New Year Banquet for all foreign experts serving as writers, editors and consultants for the company's various branches. From six to nine on this Friday night almost two hundred people sat down to enjoy and eat a lavish twelve-course meal held inside the Diaoyutai Hotel.

CIPG's annual Appreciation & Happy New Year Banquet

With the merry, festive atmosphere and many happy foreigners and Chinese mingling together, the banquet achieved auspicious goals. All the foreign experts felt warm appreciation from their Chinese colleagues and bosses. The Chinese also enjoyed themselves immensely, wandering about sociably, chatting and toasting each other.

Before the banquet began, Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office and CIPG President Mr. Cai Mingzhao gave a brief opening address, followed by a short series of laudatory remarks from Mr. Huang Youyi, Vice President of CIPG and President of CIIC. Mr. Huang made a special point afterwards to mingle with all of his CIIC staff, speaking personally to all his employees and acknowledging their work, as well as offering good wishes for the New Year. The CIIC's Executive Vice President, Mr. Li Jiaming, sat at the CIIC table in order to converse with the group. He recounted several interesting stories about his life and work, and then departed to make the rounds of toasting other tables. The lovely Vice Editor-in-Chief of CIIC, Ms. Li Yafang, sat at the CIIC table and entertained everyone with her wit and charm.

Vice Editor-in-Chief of CIIC Li Yafang (L) with Spanish and Russian copy editors of CIIC

The meal was superb and impressive. Young waitresses, dressed identically in traditional yellow silk qi paos and matching haircuts, deftly served the stunning array of seafood and beef dishes. Interestingly, the food was Chinese yet individually served Western style, perfectly reflecting the harmonious relationships between Eastern and Western colleagues. Classical music from a four string quartet discreetly positioned in a far corner wafted through the air during the dinner.

Delicious food

"I was really wowed by that meal," said a staff reporter from a neighboring table housing the Beijing Review employees. "The fact that my bosses took all this trouble to arrange for us to eat together in such splendor makes me feel both valued and honored."

Alexandra Ivanova, the CIIC's resident Russian language adviser from Vladivostok, commented, "I thought that our bosses look very solid, savvy and sharp; they impressed me greatly at the dinner. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, the classical music was great, and it touched my heart deeply to be thanked in this way for my work. I want to stay with this company a long time."

Carolina Hu, the CIIC's resident Spanish expert from the Canary Islands, said, "I'm on my second year for the company. I liked this dinner and the one they held last year as well. These events make me happy, excited and I always have great fun. I'm looking forward to many more great dinners!"

Foreigners working for CIIC celebrate Christmas together with their Chinese colleagues.

(China.org.cn by Valerie Sartor, December 18, 2007)