Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Qiao Hong, was the guest of honor at a breakfast hosted by the Florida-China Association and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce at the local office of the Holland & Knight law firm. During the breakfast Hong and Mayor John Peyton exchanged gifts, with Peyton receiving a vase which is a sign of friendship in the Chinese Culture. “Any flowers you put in the vase will bloom,” said Hong. “Just as we hope the relationship between China and Jacksonville will continue to blossom in the future.”
The Consul General has been touring Florida to take part in celebrations of the Chinese New Year. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2009 is the “Year of the Ox.” The ox is a symbol of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Hong said that she hoped this symbol would encourage the return of the bull market in America.