On September 27th 2019, the Ceremony of Celebrating the 49th Anniversary of Fiji Independence & Fiji National Pavilion Day Event kicked off at the Hyatt Regence Shiyuna in Yanqing District Beijing. Over 160 guests were invited to join this celebration, including the Deputy Government Representative of 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exposition (IHE), Mr. Xie Bohua，Ambassadors and senior officials from embassies of the Pacific Island Countries, the Counsellor of China FAO North American & Oceanian Affairs Mr. Wang Jianzhou, the Honorary Consul of Fiji in Hong Kong Dr. Desmond Lee, the Chairman Mr. Peter Lui and representatives of the Hong Kong-Fiji Chamber of Commerce, and Fijian entrepreneurs in China. Dr. Yolinda Chan, Consul General of Fiji in Shanghai, also participated the celebration as VIP Guest, accompanied by Tourism Development Manager Mr. Robbie Feng and Trade & Investment Manager Ms. Hannah Zhu. 

Opening the event, the Fijian Ambassador to China, H.E. Mr. Manasa Tagicakibau took the opportunity to thank and welcome all the guests from near and far. In his welcome speech, the Ambassador addressed Fiji’s fruitful work for the  2019 Beijing IHE which could not be achieved without the support from all related parties. It is known that this year IHE is the largest in scale and longest in exhibition duration of its kind in history. He also delivered his best wishes and warm congratulation to the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Fijian cultural performance was the highlight of the celebration. The performance started with Fijian a traditional welcoming ceremony. Twelve Fijian professional performers travelled from Fiji to join dozens more of Fijian students in China to put up a memorable night of cultural performances to the delight and amazement of all the guests. 

The 2019 Beijing IHE will be officially conclude on 9th October 2019. However, the Fiji National Pavilion at the site will always be prepared to welcome visitors from all corners of China and the rest of the world.