The launch of the book titled ‘The Chinese in Fiji’ will be the main highlight of next month’s 160th anniversary celebration of the Chinese people in Fiji.

The book contains stories of Chinese families who settled here and spoke about their struggles, experiences and achievements.

The celebration will be on September 5.

The community’s president, Jenny Seeto, said the book also provided an overview of the various Chinese institutions and organisations in Fiji.

“Through sheer hard work, the Chinese community has successfully provided for their families and has integrated well and contributed immensely to Fiji’s development,” Mrs Seeto said.

“The collection of the stories is the culmination of contributions over the last few years. It has been a challenge to get families to write about them but in the process of doing so, many of the young generation have learned a lot about their family background and reconnected with their roots.”

The celebration will include a march through Suva City, which will feature various aspects of the Chinese culture like the lion and dragon dance and Chinese performances from Chinese youths.

The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, will be addressing the community following their march.

Mrs Seeto said they were expecting more than 900 people to be part of the celebration.

According to a latest census, Mrs Seeto said there were roughly 8000 Chinese people living in Fiji.