Ringing in the Chinese New Year

On Thursday, February 16, the local Chinese and Luxembourgish communities joined together at Casino 2000 in Mondorf to ring in the Chinese New Year.

Lawyers from Kaufhold & Réveillaud, Avocats were among the 300 attendees who turned out for an evening of festivities kicking off the year of the rooster.

The annual gala — held by Sinolux Schengen Culture Communications in conjunction with the Luxembourg and China-Lux Chambers of Commerce — signifies the unique bond between these two countries from opposite sides of the globe.

The earliest Chinese bank arrived here in 1979, paving the way for others to follow suit, such as the colossal Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Since then, this momentum has only increased.

According to Luxembourg for Finance, as of 2016 ‘Luxembourg funds account for 69% of European assets invested in mainland China.’ As the EU’s Renminbi hub, the Grand Duchy also houses the largest listing center for Dim Sum bonds outside of Asia. Thanks to the work of traveling delegations, Chinese tech startups and investors continue opening offices in Luxembourg.

Though the gala is apolitical, meant only to celebrate a meaningful Chinese holiday, it symbolizes the close, cross-border relationship enjoyed by both economies seeking meaningful links between Asia and Europe.

Kaufhold & Réveillaud, Avocats — a longtime member of the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, as well as a sponsor and attendee of multiple Sinolux Chinese New Year events — relishes the opportunity to celebrate Chinese culture in its own backyard and connect with the diverse community.

“We have been advising Chinese clients since 2009, so it is immensely important to us to get to experience one of their traditions first hand,” said Brigitte Czoske, Lawyer, Kaufhold & Réveillaud, Avocats. “Chances like these for our communities to connect are win-wins for everyone, as are the strong ties between our governments.”

Event highlights included traditional Chinese cuisine and acrobatic, musical and dance performances. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel even threw some Mandarin into his speech, which centered on the importance of cooperation and the dangers of populism.

Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Etienne Schneider, Chinese Ambassador Huang Changqing and other influential members of the political, legal and business communities.