More than 700 members of the Fiji Chinese community were present at Yat Sen Secondary School to officially celebrate the Chinese New Year or the opening of the year of the snake which starts today.
Chief Guest at the occasion was the President of Fiji Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
In his speech, Ratu Epeli said the government has been working with the Chinese community since 1852.
Ratu Epeli who was also born in the year of the snake said that the first Chinese to set foot in Fiji came in 1808 and congratulated the contribution and achievements made by the Chinese community especially toward the Agriculture sector as it is the backbone of Fiji.
Ratu Epeli added that the Chinese community should not forget the hard-work done by their grandparents.
Also present at the celebration were other members of Diplomatic Corp including the Minister for Women and Social Welfare Dr Jiko Luveni.
