NEW YORK - Nasdaq, a major stock exchange in the world, celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year on Monday afternoon by holding a closing bell ceremony in partnership with the Chinese Consulate General in New York.

Marking the 16th year of celebrating the Spring Festival at Nasdaq, Chen Li, the Chinese consul general in New York, rang the closing bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, New York City, one of the most populous cities in the United States.

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"The Spring Festival embodies values of reunion, renewal and resilience, which are essential as we work together to deepen economic ties between China and the United States," Chen said.

It is also meaningful to celebrate these values here at the heart of the global commerce center, Chen added.

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"We welcome more investors and friends from the United States and beyond to explore opportunities in China... It is inspiring to see more Chinese enterprises listed on Nasdaq with the blessings of the Year of the Snake. I hope China-US economic ties can be stronger and bring greater benefits to the world," Chen said.

"The Lunar New Year has always been a time to express gratitude for our partnerships and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025," said Robert H McCooey, Jr, vice-chairman of Nasdaq, at the ceremony.

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"Nasdaq's commitment to China remains very strong and we are extremely proud to be the home of over 250 innovative Chinese companies who embody the entrepreneurial spirit that will help our two great nations continue to grow together," said McCooey.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Spring Festival falls Wednesday this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake.