On January 21, Ambassador Qin Gang received the plaque of recognition and a commemorative jacket from the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). Attending the ceremony were representatives from Massport, ILA and COSCO Shipping (North America).

Massport’s Maritime Director, Michael Meyran, delivered a warm speech on behalf of Massport. He said the 20-year partnership between COSCO Shipping and the Port of Boston has created thousands of jobs in Massachusetts and the New England Six-State area. This 20-year partnership has been the perfect model of how to do business between the United States and China. We look forward to continuing this business cooperation partnership for the long future. Meyran presented the plaque of recognition to Ambassador Qin Gang, which reads, “Boston Harbor Salutes Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang to the United States of America.” In recognition of the People’s Republic of China’s partnership and contribution to American workers and the American business community in the six New England states.

ILA Vice President Bernie O’Donnell, representing more than 9,000 Boston Harbor stevedores and their families, presented a commemorative jacket to Ambassador Qin and expressed his gratitude to Chinese companies for their contributions to long term in Boston.

Ambassador Qin Gang happily accepted the plate of recognition and put on the jacket. In his remarks, Ambassador Qin said, “I welcome everyone to the Chinese Embassy from afar and your visit brings fresh air to Washington DC. The honor you present to me belongs to Chinese enterprises. It is also shared by all who are dedicated to the cooperation between COSCO Shipping and the Port of Boston.

Ambassador Qin pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of COSCO Shipping’s opening of direct ocean service to Boston. COSCO’s cooperation with the Port of Boston has brought jobs and vitality to the local community, and also helped Chinese enterprises to improve their operations, which has been an example of the win-win economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States. Over the more than 40 years of China’s reform and opening up, the United States has been deeply involved in China’s development and has also benefited greatly. Our trade has provided many quality yet inexpensive products to American consumers and supported 2.6 million American jobs. China and the United States have long been bound by our common interests.

Ambassador Qin pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of President Nixon’s visit to China. We have learned over the past five decades that China-US cooperation can bring many good things to both countries and the whole world; it can also bring tangible benefits and opportunities to places like Boston Harbor, to our stevedores, and to all of us. If China and the United States enter into conflict and confrontation, if we fight a trade war or a new “cold war”, it will be a political tragedy that will not benefit anyone. It will come at an unbearable cost for all of us, for people like you and me. In the face of all these global challenges, fighting the pandemic, restoring growth, stabilizing the industrial chain and supply chain, and dealing with climate change, China and the United States have no better choice than solidarity. and cooperation. This is also the expectation of the international community. Our two countries should keep in mind what brought us together 50 years ago, implement the agreement of the two presidents, follow the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation and restore our relations on the right track. It is also about giving the world long-awaited stability and certainty.

The event was broadcast live online by CGTN.

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In March 2002, COSCO Shipping opened a direct shipping service between mainland China and the port of Boston after agreement between the two parties. Over the past 20 years of successful operation, it has not only saved 9,000 jobs in Boston Harbor, but also created another 400,000 jobs, which has been greatly appreciated by the local government and people in the United States. United.