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The Fiji China Friendship Associa on, alongside esteemed partners, hosted the illustrious celebra on of the "Year of the Dragon" Chinese New Year Banquet on February 11th, the second day of the Chinese New Year, at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, the capital of Fiji. This momentous occasion featured a cap va ng fusion of tradi onal Chinese New Year fes vi es, providing a significant pla orm for the local Fijian community to engage with individuals from various sectors, celebra ng alongside the Fijian Chinese diaspora.
The event welcomed dis nguished dignitaries, including His Excellency the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and First Lady Philomena, Ac ng Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica and Madam Ann, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Viliame Gavoka and Madam Ruci, and esteemed Ministers of Fiji. His Excellency Ambassador Zhou Jian and the en re staff of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji graced the occasion.
Approximately 400 par cipants, comprising representa ves from the Chinese community and enterprises in Fiji, the Confucius Ins tute at the University of South Pacific, Fiji China Cultural Center, and various individuals from Fiji, came together to partake in the fes vi es.
Ambassador Zhou Jian conveyed New Year gree ngs from the Chinese government, Communist Party, and people to the overseas Chinese in Fiji, reaffirming China’s dedica on to enhancing collabora on with Fiji and eleva ng bilateral rela ons to new heights.
The event recognized outstanding contribu ons, par cularly amid challenges such as the pandemic and the erup on of the Tonga volcano. Awards announced by the Honorary president of Fiji China Friendship associa on Madam Bernade e Ganilau, including the ‘Generosity Recogni on,’ ‘Humanitarian Excellence,’ ‘Cultural Exchange Excellence,’ and ‘Fiji China Friendship Bridge,’ were presented to deserving recipients by the President of Fiji and the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, honoring their remarkable achievements.
Guests were treated to cap va ng performances by a range of talented groups, including the Fiji Chinese Youth Associa on, Yat sen School, Confucius Ins tute at the University of the South Pacific, and the renowned dance group VOU. Addi onally, a local renowned love band by Ken Janson added to the vibrant atmosphere. The diverse program showcased a fusion of cultural elements from China and Fiji, crea ng a truly memorable and enriching experience for all a endees.