President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter Thursday to the opening ceremony of the First China International Tea Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, east China.

 

中国首届国际茶博会周四在浙江杭州拉开帷幕，习近平主席向茶博会发来贺电。

 

Tea has become an important part of Chinese people's lives and a cherished¹ symbol of Chinese culture, Xi said.

 

From the ancient Silk Road and other trade routes that saw the flow of tea on horses and ships to today's Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime² Silk Road, "tea has transcended³ time and crossed borders to win the affection of people from across the world," he added.

 

Xi hopes the expo will give exposure to Chinese tea culture and grow into an important platform for exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world, according to the letter.

 

The expo should promote the development of the world's tea industry and start a new chapter for the tea industry and tea culture, said the letter.

 

Xi also conveyed his wishes for the success of the expo, which will be held from May 18 to 21.

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