The Chinese Consul General and Mrs. Mao Siwei hosted the National Day reception at Taj Bengal to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on the evening of September 29. This is the first time for the newly inaugurated Chinese Consulate General in Kolkata. More than 300 guests attended the reception, including Ms. Mira Pande, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of West Bengal.

Guests congratulated the National Day of China and the success of hosting Beijing Olympic Games and the first spacewalk by Chinese astronauts.

Some overseas Chinese said that 2008 is an unusual year for China and will be remembered in the history of China. The Chinese people met extraordinary challenges and obtained glorious achievements in the year. We are really proud of China.

Three hundred DVDs of the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games were distributed at the reception and well-received by the guests.