He was speaking Sunday at the opening of the 'Walk through Chinatown' exhibition and fair held at the YMCA ground, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The event was part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Guyana.

"Since their arrival, they have made significant contributions to the Guyanese society, especially in business and commerce. What we have become and what we are is indeed a result of the amalgamation of our people; a merger of culture...identity, philosophy, history, customs and practices, have somewhat blended together over time creating a multi-ethnic society," the Guyanese Head of State said.

The occasion, he said, allows Guyanese to reflect on their rich diversity, how they are affected and have been affected by each other.

"These citizens have enriched this land and have excelled in every conceivable area of human endeavour," Mr. Jagdeo told the large gathering at the fair.

He made reference to Guyanese-Chinese who have held top positions in this country including former Public Service Minister, Mr. Gorge Fung-On and former President (titular), Mr. Arthur Chung.

According to Mr. Jagdeo, Chinese contributions to Guyana have been so significant that they have outnumbered the Chinese population in the country.

He urged, "let us rededicate ourselves to building a country that is just and equitable and to live harmoniously together. The nation recognises your indomitable spirit and salutes the contributions you would have made to your own country."

Vice Minister of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Zhao Yang lauded efforts of the Guyana Government in contributing to Guyanese Chinese developing their own careers and living "in harmony with other ethnic Guyanese and making positive contributions to the local economic construction and social progress."

He also commended the Chinese in Guyana for promoting their culture here and enhancing the "exchange and friendship" between the two countries.

He said even though the two countries are geographically far from each other, they have a long history of friendly exchange and cooperation.

According to him, China will be more actively involved in international economic competition, exchange and cooperation and in maintaining world peace and stability.

"I believe with the joint efforts of the peoples of the two countries, the exchange and cooperation in all fields between China and Guyana will have a broad prospect," the Chinese official said.