Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has enjoyed celebrating with local Chinese-Australians to mark the Chinese New Year.
"Those from a Chinese background form one of the largest minority ethnic groups in my electorate of Davidson," Mr O'Dea said.
The first recorded Chinese immigrant was in 1827.
Today, around half of all Chinese-Australians, or 378,000, choose to live in NSW and continue to make a major contribution to the development of Sydney and the state.
"I am delighted to participate in celebrations in China Town, at Parliament House, and on the harbour – where the Opera House has been lit up in red to mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake," Mr O'Dea said.
"I appreciate the importance of our relationship with China, especially having travelled there on two occasions, including to address an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Chengdu. APEC's goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Later this year, Premier Barry O'Farrell will embark on his third trade mission to China to build on existing trade links and explore additional opportunities for NSW businesses," Mr O'Dea said.
Sydney is already a favourite destination for Chinese tourists.
More tourists arrive in Sydney from China than any other nation, generating an estimated $1.2 billion for the city's economy through spending on accommodation, meals, tourist attractions and at retail outlets.
"I congratulate the Chinese- Australians on their great contribution to our society and wish them 'Kung hei fat choi' or 'Happy new year'," Mr O'Dea concluded.
