FIJI EMBASSY HOLDS TRADE & INVESTMENT SEMINAR TO ATTRACT MORE INVESTORS

Ministry of Information
Oct 15|10:01 am

Fiji’s Embassy to Japan hosted a Trade and Investment seminar in Tokyo earlier this month in a bid to attract more investors to Fiji.

The main presenters at the seminar included the Reserve Bank of Fiji governor Mr Barry Whiteside, the Ministry of Finance permanent secretary Mr Filimoni Waqabaca, Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan Mr Isikeli Mataitoga, and the Ministry of Finance deputy secretary Mr David Kolitagane.

Ambassador Mataitoga expressed his gratitude to those who attended despite the short notice for organising the seminar.

“The seminar was a great success, judging from the large number of Japanese business people and senior Japanese Government officials who attended at short notice”, Ambassador Mataitoga said.

Governor Whiteside outlined the core economic growth trends in Fiji since 2006 and discussed the Bainimarama Government’s priority areas of focus for economic growth. This was followed by Mr Waqabaca who provide(d) seven reasons why Japanese businesses should invest or to start up business in Fiji now. This latter presentation, built on the broad economic data, presented earlier by the Governor, showed positive trends in both fiscal and monetary policies management.

Mr Kolitagane covered the various tax incentives and related government assistance that are available to investors in Fiji by economic sectors and the tax free regions in Fiji. Ambassador Mataitoga facilitated a Q & A sessions which attracted lively exchanges from the participants. Judging from the questions raised from the floor, there is interest for potential investment in Aged Care Villages; renewable energy; education services for Japanese students and agro-processing etc.

Fiji Embassy staff in Tokyo, will in the coming week or so follow up with contacts, from participants requesting further one-to-one discussion on their proposals.

Apart from the briefs provided by the presenters, there were many participants who were surprised and impressed with the economic development in Fiji by the Bainimarama Government in last few years; in particular the fiscal stability measures adopted and the wise financial management of public finance, while addressing financial support towards the needs of the poor, the less fortunate, aged, and disadvantaged members of the Fijian community.

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