SINGAPORE, August 28 (Xinhua) --  China's Ministry of Education donates on Thursday a total of 1,000 Chinese language and literature books to the National Library of Singapore in a bid to support the island state's Speaking Mandarin Campaign.
   
   Speaking at the donation ceremony here on Thursday, Mr. Luo Zhaohui, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, said that today's donation is not only China's support to the Speaking Mandarin Campaign and Chinese language study in Singapore, but also reflects the goodwill of the Chinese people to Singaporeans.

   "I am sure that Singapore library users could take advantage of the books we donated, to know more about Chinese language skill, more about China, its people, heritage and contemporary literature, " he said.

   On the same occasion, Dr. Christopher Chia, chief executive, National Library Board of Singapore, said that China has generously donated this valuable collection of Chinese language and literature for Singapore library users, and the National Library of Singapore is indeed privileged  to be the first overseas library to receive this collection.

  "With China's entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its importance as Singapore's economic partner, it is no wonder our library members are keen to know more about China, to lean about  its booming economy, the people, language and its unique culture," he said.

   Dr. Chia stressed that the ceremony marks the latest collaborative effort between China and the National Library of Singapore and reflects its strong commitment to work closely with China to promote Singaporeans' reading and learning of Mandarin.

   It is also the first time China's Ministry of Education donates books to the National Library of Singapore.  


   * Click here for Charge d’Affaires Mr. Luo Zhaohui's Speech at the Ceremony