BEIJING - Celebrations were held in Austria and Tunisia for the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Austrian Federal Parliament invited a host of Chinese people living in Vienna to the parliament building and hosted celebrations for the Chinese new year, or Spring Festival.

Susanne Kurz, vice-chairman of Austrian Federal Parliament, spoke highly of contributions made by Chinese people in Austria to promoting her country's economic development.

She said the Chinese people in Austria are playing an increasingly important role in Austrian social and economy activities and in promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries.

In Tunisia, a variety of festivities including a martial arts exhibition and screening of documentaries featuring Chinese Spring Festival celebrations were held.

At the El Menzah sports and cultural center in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, a number of Tunisians on Tuesday joined Chinese living in Tunisia in celebrations for Spring Festival.

"It is a special event for us as it enables us to share with our Chinese friends their Spring Festival," said Bechir Salmi, governor of the northern state of Ariana.