Int’l officials laud China’s development achievements at National Day reception events

Local officials from across the American continents spoke highly of China's development achievements as they attended National Day receptions held on Thursday by Chinese consulates ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

In Canada, the event hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto featured captivating performances and an exhibition of traditional Chinese folk arts such as paper-cutting and dough modeling. Also on Thursday, guests at a reception in Calgary were invited to watch an exhibition that included photos and videos showcasing China's accomplishments in social and economic development.

Canadian local officials and lawmakers said they have paid close attention to China's development as well as the country's increasing contributions to the world.

"Looking around and taking a look at all the infrastructure that's been developed, and a lot of growth when it comes to infrastructure and science, but still having the strong cultural elements, the performing arts, the visual arts, so I think it's great to be able to have that broad width of development and progress," said Rebecca Alty, Mayor of Yellowknife, capital of Canada's Northwest Territories.

"I wish you much prosperity and happiness and continued wonderful and collaborative relationship between China and Canada. Thank you so much for all of your contributions in terms of everything that you offer to the world," said Lizette Tejada, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Klein.

The event in Guayaquil, Ecuador drew more than 710 people from all walks of life in the consular district, including overseas Chinese, representatives from Chinese-funded institutions, and volunteer Chinese teachers. The atmosphere was electric when performers from the two countries delivered a dazzling range of cultural and artistic shows.

Attendees said that the Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement brings broad prospects for bilateral trade and investment and benefits people of both countries, as both sides eye deeper cooperation in the future.

As part of the celebrations for PRC's 75th birthday, drum dance, martial arts, samba dance and a solo performance of a Chinese string instrument called pipa wowed guests at a reception on Thursday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"After 75 years of efforts, China has become a world power and a leader in technological innovation. At the same time, China has always emphasized the preservation of its own cultural traditions, which is crucial to maintaining national identity," said Marilia Marton, Sao Paulo State Secretary for Culture, Creative Economy and Industries while sending China her congratulations.

China's National Day falls on Oct. 1.

Int’l officials laud China’s development achievements at National Day reception events

Venezuela is working to stabilize consumers prices and ensure domestic supply in response to U.S. sanctions by further improving domestic productivity.

Long-standing sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry have hindered the country's ability to generate adequate foreign currency, leading to heightened inflation and significant shortages of essential imported goods.

In shifting its focus towards increasing domestic production rather than depending on exports, Venezuela has managed to stabilize prices for some goods, said Juan Carlos Valdes, an economist.

"Although the blockade has severely damaged the Venezuelan economy, it has also forced us to manufacture our own goods. Because we cannot buy from abroad, we have to focus on local production, and this shift has stabilized prices in various sectors," he said.

Valdes said that investment in domestic manufacturing is contributing to reducing inflation.

"There is no doubt that local production is helping to slow inflation. We hope that ultimately it will not only curb inflation but also achieve complete price stabilization in Venezuela," he said.

Angel Arteaga, the manager of an 80-year-old state-run edible oil factory, said that the production in the factory has continued uninterrupted despite U.S. attacks earlier this year.

"Our production remains steady and has not been impacted by the U.S. military actions. We refuse to raise product prices or costs just because of unforeseen factors or variables," he said.

Data from the Venezuelan Ministry of Food indicates that by the end of 2025, the country had achieved 97 percent food self-sufficiency through domestic production.

In an earlier speech, Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez said that overall consumption in the county in January increased by 32 percent compared to the same period last year.

Consumer prices stable in Venezuela as focus turns to enhancing domestic productivity