Hualien County Government held "2021 International Migrants Day - Xin Xiang Market", inviting new immigrants to enjoy cultural immersion activities

The United Nations has set December 18 as the “International Migrants Day”, calling on all countries to pay attention to the human rights of migrants and to ensure implementation of respect for multiculturalism.

In accordance with the International Migrants Day, the Hualien County Government recently held the "2021 International Migrants Day - Xin Xiang Market (新享市集)" in the Beibin Hualien Pacific Landscape Park (太平洋公園北濱). New immigrants, migrant workers, international students and families in Hualien were invited to celebrate International Migrants Day together.

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The new immigrants of the county showed warmth and enthusiasm and enjoyed the event together. (Photo / Provided by the Hualien County Government)

The event was unveiled by the second generation of new immigrants and guests tying Vietnamese rice dumplings together. The round-shaped rice dumplings represent the sky and the square-shaped rice dumplings represent the earth, bringing good fortune to everyone. Vietnamese rice dumplings are made of glutinous rice, mung beans, pork and pepper and the taste is a unique one.

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New Immigrants Center and New Immigrants’ Community Service Station also organized cultural experience activities. (Photo / Provided by the Hualien County Government)

The County Mayor of Hualien, Hsu Chen-Wei (徐榛蔚), stated that “Hualien is a county that consists of diverse ethnic groups and connects with the world.” Both foreigners and new immigrants have chosen to settle in Hualien and the mayor has expressed her gratitude to them for bringing the culture of their hometowns to Hualien.

The personnel of the Social Affairs Department also put in their efforts to make Hualien a home to new immigrants and the Education Department has also launched a new education program for new immigrants. It is hoped that new immigrants would be able to improve their Chinese language proficiency and integrate into local life more easily.

In addition, the New Immigrants Center and New Immigrants’ Community Service Station also organized cultural immersion activities such as food tasting, DIY activities, Childhood games, and national costumes trying to strengthen the parent-child relationship. New immigrants could also make use of the time to consult on issues related to their own rights and interests at the enquiry counter.