The Chinese Embassy and its Consulates-General in India have issued more than 180,000 visas last year, showing a new high of Indian visitors to China after the pandemic, he said.

One of the biggest news in Mumbai these days is that the Coastal Road is set to open this month, he said.

"It is worth noting that the tunnel under Malabar Hill (in south Mumbai), the hardest part of the project, was built with a Chinese tunnel boring machine by the efforts of both Chinese and Indian engineers," he said.

"When we enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life today, we cannot forget the heroes like Dr. Kotnis who sacrificed their lives for national independence against imperialism."

Chinese people still pay their respect and tribute to Dr. Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis, who was the great son of Solarpur, he said.

In 2023, despite the difficulties, Chinese companies achieved pretty good performance and actively participated in social welfare undertakings, he said.

The envoy also said that Yapp India, a Chinese company in Pune, completed the infrastructure upgrade project in S.M.C No.1 High School in Solapur, the birthplace of Dr Kotnis who served on the frontlines as a physician during the Sino-Japanese war.

Kong attended the inauguration ceremony of the project last December.

This event also inspired friends to experience Chinese culture in an all-round, multi-angle, and interactive way, especially through introductions to sister-cities and on China's development, shows of Chinese cuisine, kung fu and Peking Opera.

Kong said he is glad to know that many Chinese companies, including Sany, Haier are engaged in social welfare undertakings and contribute to the development of local society.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.