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Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year. In London, as in Beijing, and in Chinese communities across the world, people will be enjoying some spectacular celebrations over the course of the next fifteen days.

The New Year is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. As members of Britain’s Chinese community, we are getting ever more excited by the prospect of the forthcoming Olympic Games and Paralympic Games – both in Beijing 2008 and London 2012. For us, it will be a double celebration, and we feel very fortunate.

This shared ‘Host City’ experience provides an opportunity for our two great nations to come together and strengthen their cultural, political and commercial ties.

I think it’s very important that British business takes this chance to increase its economic presence in China. After all, the Chinese economy will soon be the biggest in the world.

Already, we have seen a sharp rise in exchanges between Beijing and London. One example that might interest Londoners is the exhibition of official Beijing 2008 arts and crafts currently being held at City Hall as part of the New Year celebrations.

It’s the first time these ornamental pieces have been seen outside of China, and a chance to get an insight into Beijing’s Games preparations.

China sees the Games as a window for the rest of the world – a priceless promotional opportunity for its people and its culture. It will be a hard act for London to follow, but we must follow Beijing’s example and use the Games as a showcase for our multicultural community.

On behalf of my organisation, the London Chinese Community Network, I will continue to work with organisers to ensure we maximise our presence. In the meantime, may I wish you all ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai!’