種植“友誼林” 攜手共發展——英國安德魯王子訪問重慶

□ 楊吉 譚舒

2011年5月18日至19日，作為英國國際投資與貿易特別代表的英國約克公爵、安德魯王子來渝訪問，探討雙邊經濟發展和投資事宜，共種“中英共建友誼林”，增進雙邊友誼。

栽種“友誼林”增進渝英友誼

5月18日，來渝訪問的英國約克公爵、安德魯王子與重慶市副市長凌月明一起，在照母山下揮鍬種下“中英共建友誼林”，并共同為友誼林揭牌，以此祝愿英國與重慶進一步加強合作，共謀發展。

據悉，此次栽種的樹木是英國國樹——英國櫟。安德魯王子還專程帶來英國櫟的樹種，贈送給人民小學的學生，希望雙方的友誼之樹常青。

凌月明表示，近年來英國與重慶的經貿往來日漸密切，目前已有61家英國企業來渝投資，涉及化工、電子、房地產等行業，發展勢頭良好。希望雙方繼續深化交流，擴大合作領域，互利共贏。

舉辦酒會 盛邀渝企赴英投資

“重慶這座城市的發展非常快，我們熱情歡迎更多重慶企業到英國投資。”5月18日晚，來渝訪問的英國約克公爵、安德魯王子在希爾頓酒店舉辦英國女王生日招待酒會，盛邀渝企到英國投資發展。

據了解，目前英國在歐洲國家當中已成為重慶最大的貿易伙伴，安德魯王子表示，目前已有6家渝企赴英投資，在返回英國后，他會前往諾丁漢的一家渝企設立的研發機構進行訪問，拓展彼此的合作領域。

英國約克公爵、安德魯王子

安德魯王子與凌月明副市長共植友誼林

安德魯王子（右二）參觀海扶技術有限公司

安德魯王子向學生代表贈送英國櫟的樹種

重慶市人大常委會副主任陳雅堂（左）與安德魯王子（右）在招待酒會上

重慶市人大常委會副主任陳雅棠，重慶市人民政府外事僑務辦公室副主任陳高山出席酒會。

薄熙來會見英國王子安德魯

5月19日，重慶市委書記薄熙來會見了來渝訪問的英國王子安德魯，就加強重慶與英國的合作進行了交流。

安德魯王子說，重慶是中國重要的中心城市之一，此次重慶之行，親身感受了這座城市的魅力、活力與熱情。在薄書記的領導下，重慶近年來經濟社會快速發展，成就斐然，令人欽佩。英國對重慶高度重視，既鼓勵英國企業來渝投資發展，分享中國西部大開發帶來的機遇；又歡迎重慶企業對英開展投資合作，擴大雙方交往交流。希望通過此次訪問，建立雙方更為緊密的合作關系，在金融貿易、社會服務等領域開展深層次合作，全面提升重慶與英國的合作水平。

薄熙來說，安德魯王子特意安排訪問重慶，山城人民十分歡迎。重慶是中國西部的直轄市，水陸空交通便利。多年來，重慶努力改善城市發展環境，理順和規范市場經濟秩序，各項經濟指標呈現持續、健康增長的良好態勢。重慶重視與英國開展經貿、文化等交流，雙方的貿易和投資額均呈上升趨勢，令人鼓舞。相信王子此次訪渝，將進一步增進雙邊友誼，并推動雙方在工業、服務業、科技創新等多領域的互利合作。

訪渝期間，安德魯王子還參加了渝英經貿推介會并參觀了重慶海扶技術有限公司。

英國約克公爵、安德魯王子

The British Duke of York, Prince Andrew visited Chongqing from May 18 to 19 as the UK Special Representative for International Investment and Trade. The purpose of his visit was to discuss bilateral economic developments and investment matters, to inaugurate the “China-UK Friendship Forest” and to enhance mutual friendship.

“Friendship Forest” is Planted to Promote Friendship Between Chongqing and the UK

On May 18, Prince Andrew and the Vice Mayor of Chongqing, Ling Yueming planted trees in the “China-UK Friendship Forest” together at Zhaomu Mountain and jointly inaugurated the Friendship Forest, to further strengthen cooperation between the two entities for common development.

The species of British oak trees brought to Chongqing for the planting is the national tree of the UK. Additional trees were brought by the Prince to present to the students of the People's Primary School, saying he hoped their friendship would grow like the trees, strong and tall.

Ling Yueming said, “In recent years, the economic and trade exchanges between the UK and Chongqing are growing increasingly stronger. There are 61 British companies invested in Chongqing, involved in chemical, electronics, real estate and other industries and the numbers are growing” He hopes both sides can continue to deepen the exchanges and expand the cooperation for a win-win benefit.

Chongqing Enterprises are Warmly Invited to Invest in UK

Prince Andrew said, “Chongqing is developing very rapidly. We warmly welcome more Chongqing enterprises to invest in the UK.” On May 18, the Prince held a celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the Hilton Hotel, featuring a discussion of issues concerning UK-China bilateral economic development and investment

“The UK has become the largest trade partner of Chongqing among the European countries”, stated Prince Andrew.There are currently six Chongqing enterprises invested in the UK. After his return to Britain, the Prince will visit the R&D Institution in Nottingham, which was established by Chongqing enterprises to expand areas of cooperation.

Party Secretary, Bo Xilai Meets with Prince Andrew

The Party Secretary of Chongqing, Bo Xilai met with Prince Andrew to strengthen the cooperation and exchanges between Chongqing and the UK.

Prince Andrew said, “Chongqing is one of the major cities in China.”He experienced the city's charm, vitality and enthusiasm during this trip. “The UK attaches great importance to Chongqing.” He encourages British companies to invest in Chongqing and to share opportunities in China's Western Development.He also welcomes Chongqing enterprises to carry out investment cooperation with the UK and to expand exchanges between both sides. He hopes they can establish deep level cooperation in finance, trade and social service areas and that this visit will enhance the cooperation between Chongqing and the United Kingdom.

Bo Xilai said, “Chongqing is the largest municipality in western China and its transportation facilities are quite modern and convenient. Chongqing is making efforts to improve the urban environment of the city and standardize the market economic order. Economic indicators show a continued, healthy growth. Chongqing wants to focus on implementing economic and cultural exchanges with the UK. The trade and investment statistics are both encouraging.”He believes the Prince's visit to Chongqing will further enhance the bilateral friendship and promote growth for both sides in industry, services, technological innovation and other areas of mutual benefit.

During his visit to Chongqing, Prince Andrew also participated in the Chongqing and UK Trade Promotion's introductory meeting and visited Chongqing (HIFU) Technology Co., Ltd.