Newly Launched Stamps Signify Fiji-China Co-operation
Four new postal stamps commemorating this year’s Chinese New Year was launched and unveiled by China’s Cultural Centre in Fiji and Post Fiji Limited yesterday.
The stamps mark the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Rat, signifying foremost the strengthened partnership and co-operation between China and Fiji.
The zodiac stamps were designed by artist Xueguo Yang who is the Director of Animation at the Yunnan Arts University in China.
China’s Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo said in Chinese culture, rats symbolise wealth and happiness.
“Cultural exchanges and co-operation between China and Fiji have been developing well in recent years and have deepened understanding and gratitude between the two peoples,” Ambassador Qian said.
“2020 is the start of the zodiac cycle which coincides with the new decade and I am fully confident that these cultural activities will increase mutual benefits in the future with the joint efforts of both sides.”
He said he strongly believes that the Year of the Rat in the Chinese lunar year would bring happiness and prosperity to everyone in Fiji and China.
Post Fiji Head of Retail and Marketing Isaac Mow said the values of the stamps range from 40 cents, 90 cents, $1.10 and $15. He also said they are available for local letters and parcel postages to countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Mr Mow said having the zodiac stamps on letters and parcels sent overseas is an indirect form of marketing.
“It creates awareness and promotes Fiji’s cultural diversity to the world and most importantly Fiji as a nation.”
“Post Fiji is proud to be associated with the Chinese community in Fiji, in promoting our diversity to the world through these stamps.”
Assistant Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Joseph Nand said that combined with Spring signifying new beginnings and fresh starts, the rat is an appropriate way to enter into the new decade.
“The rat is depicted with a cute face and playful posture, combined with a representation of local fruits like pineapples, mangoes, coconuts and even sugarcane, symbolising a happy and wealthy new year in Fiji.”
Chinese New Year is celebrated on January 25th this year.
The Chinese Cultural Centre will host New Year celebrations at the Suva Civic Centre Auditorium in Suva tomorrow.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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