Chinese diaspora in Fiji may be small but they are influential - Rabuka

The Chinese diaspora in Fiji may be small but they are influential and play an integral part of Fiji’s development.

This has been highlighted by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the Chinese New Year celebrations in Suva.

He says the development of our nation is demonstrated through the contribution of our Chinese community in schools, infrastructure development, business, and Government.

Rabuka says as the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rabbit is focused on self-reflection, and the prospects or possibility for prosperity, and peace is significant since we expect to herald a softer period compared to the past year which was the Year of the Tiger and was seen as a powerful period of action and at times, impulse.

Rabuka has also reassured the Chinese Community that Fiji stands to gain tremendously from its relationship with the Government and the People’s Republic of China given their unparalleled know-how, and cutting-edge technological advancement.

The Prime Minister has also acknowledged the contribution and assistance offered locally by the People's Republic of China in the area of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, mining, manufacturing, medicine and public health, as well as in people-to-people interactions like in education, sports and cultural exchanges.

People’s Republic of China’s chargé d’affaires and Political Counselor, Wang Xuguang says China and Fiji are good friends, partners and brothers who always respect each other and pursue common development.

He says the friendship stands for good times and bad times and when others turn away, China chooses to stay.

Xuguang further says the Chinese Government also stands ready to do more in many fields such as agriculture, fishery, poverty reduction, climate response and disaster prevention.

He says through close cooperation, they are determined to bring more tangible benefits to the Fijian people.

Wang adds China and Fiji should embrace prosperity and success in the Year of the Rabbit, for the people to enjoy happiness and well-being and for the China-Fiji friendship to last and thrive forever.