The Chinese Association of Fiji today celebrated the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dog at the Yat Sen Hall in Suva.

While speaking at the celebrations, President Jioji Konrote highlighted that according to Chinese mythology the Dog is very persistent and never gives up and these are qualities we should all aspire to possess as responsible and law‑abiding citizens of our beloved Fiji.

Konrote also stated that the latest Fiji Census statistics revealed that the average age of Fiji's population today is below the age of 28, and those young people will come to shape the future of Fiji.

He adds that by instilling our youth with the drive, courage, and passion ‑ like that of the Dog ‑ they will continue to build upon our progress, strengthening Fiji with the same drive that has brought our great nation to where it is today.

The President has also highlighted that as a result of expanding Fiji‑China relations, Fiji has, since then, continued to experience a surge in growth opportunities in the areas of social development, trade and investment, as well as a renewed commitment of support towards Fiji's stand on climate change.

Konrote also acknowledged the Government of the People's Republic of China, through its Embassy in Suva, for its diplomacy through humanitarian assistance, adding that the ties between the 2 nations have been further strengthened with the establishment of the Confucius Institute at USP and not only does the Institute foster the learning of the Chinese language, it also bridges the cultural gap between our two countries through country‑to‑country exchanges and cultural programmes