On the occasion of the Chinese New Year and the start of the Spring Festival, President James A Michel has sent wishes of prosperity and good health to President Hu Jintao and the people of China.

It is the Year of the Dragon, according to Chinese lunar calendar.

In his message President Michel said that "as we enter the Year of the Dragon, we are conscious of the many challenges that await us, from the continuation of the world economic crisis to the continued threat of piracy and climate change".

He mentioned the evident critical role that China would continue to have in terms of economic development.

He praised the development support and generosity that China has extended to developing countries such as Seychelles over recent years.

"This exemplary cooperation goes a long way in contributing to the socio-economic development of the Seychellois people," said President Michel.