The celebration of the 53rd anniversary of Fiji's Independence Day was successfully held on October 10, 2023, at 53F Impression of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai located in the iconic Jinmao Tower. The celebration was attended by approximately 90 guests, including consular officials from almost 40 countries, the Municipal People’s governments of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui Fijian officials, Fijian officials, representatives from Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways, members of the Fijian diaspora in China, as well as delegated from relevant enterprises. 

The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of: 

• H.E. Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Madam Xie Dong

• Deputy Director General of Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Mr. Bei Zhaojian

• Deputy Director General of Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress Foreign Affairs Committee, Me. Lin Haiping

• Deputy Director General of Shanghai CPPCC Science Technology and Education Committee, Mr. Pan Xushan

• China Council For The Promotion Of International Trade Zhejiang Provincial Committee，Lin Wei

• China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Jiangsu Sub-council，Cong Sufeng

           

  
  

and attended by the esteemed Fijian officials:

• Consul General of Fiji, Dr. Yok Yee Chan

• Charge de Affairs of Embassy to China, Mr. Ratish Singh

• Second Secretary of Fiji Embassy to China, Ms. Amelia Cobona

  
  

Gratitude is also extended to15 Fijian students, currently enrolled students in Beijing and Shanghai, supported the celebration with great efforts

One of the most particular part of the celebration was welcoming the guest by presenting Fijian kava ceremony. Kava is made from the ground roots of the plant Piper methysticum. a member of the pepper family that also includes black papper, which is a native plant found in the South Pacific. Kava ceremony is rooted in the traditional culture of local tribes in Fiji. This revered ceremony holds utmost importance as it serves as a traditional welcome for esteemed foreign guests on special occasions, showcasing the highest level of respect. In contemporary times, Kava has also become a popular social beverage, commonly enjoyed during celebrations in Fijian daily life. Furthermore, Kava possesses remarkable benefits such as improving insomnia and alleviating anxiety.

Consul General of Fiji, Dr. Yok Yee Chan, introduced Fiji as “a pearl in the Pacific ocean” and a country that an emblem of “resilience, unity, and diversity.”Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with the PRC. Dr. Chan highlighted the significant growth in trade and investments since China and Fiji established a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship 48 years ago. She also emphasized Fiji's ongoing commitment to promoting trade and investment ties with China, facilitating cultural exchange and tourism, as well as active participation in upcoming events such as the Belt and Road Economic Forum and the 6th CIIE. Dr. Chan concluded her speech by expressing sincere gratitude to all distinguished guests while expressing hope for continued efforts towards peace, prosperity, and shared success in the future.

The celebration was concluded with two traditional Fijian dances brought by Fijian students.Fijian dances are well-known for its passion and freedom, captivating the attending guests who eagerly joined in the rhythmic movements, spreading infectious laughter and boundless joy.