China Tourism & Culture Week and Food Festival begins in Fiji

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The China Tourism & Culture Week and Food Festival kicked off in Fiji on Wednesday night, showcasing China's beautiful landscapes, colorful culture and delicious food.

With the theme "Beauty of China," the event will be held from May 29 to June 1.

Two delegations, one from northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and the other from east China's Jiangsu Province, participated in performances and educated audiences on Huaiyang cuisine, one of the top four Chinese cuisines.

China and Fiji have developed good relations for decades, particularly in recent years. Cultural exchanges between the two countries will promote the understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, said Qian Bo, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will help promote the comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development between China and Fiji and the rest of the South Pacific island nations, he added.

Iowane Naivalurua, former Fijian ambassador to China and now permanent secretary at Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Fiji and China enjoy very good relations and the event will help strengthen the cultural exchange between the two countries.

Christopher Cocker, CEO of the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), said that tourism is a tool and driver for economic development for the Pacific region and an effective means for promoting peace and prosperity throughout the world.

As one of the world's fastest growing industries, tourism is a cornerstone of development in the Pacific region and the outlook for its continued growth has been bolstered by the growing potential of the Chinese market, he said.

2019 is an official Tourism Year between China and the Pacific Island countries, with multiple events planned for the rest of this year.

(Cover image: Mount Helan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region /VCG Photo )

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency