The appointment of three experienced business and finance leaders to the Board of Investment Fiji reflects the growing importance the investment promotion agency is expected to play as the country seeks to attract higher levels of private capital and diversify its economy.
Announced in early August, the appointments bring together expertise spanning aviation, manufacturing, banking and financial regulation – sectors that are central to Fiji’s longer-term economic strategy.
Joining the Board are Sanjana Mishra, General Manager Finance at Fiji Airports; Naushad Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Basic Industries Pte Ltd; and Esala Masitabua, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
Each appointment adds a different perspective to the organisation’s work. Mishra has extensive experience in corporate finance and organisational transformation within one of Fiji’s largest state-owned enterprises. Ali has built a career across manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure and financial services and is recognised for his work in corporate governance, including membership of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Masitabua brings deep expertise in monetary policy, prudential regulation, financial stability and digital finance through his senior role at the Reserve Bank.
The appointments come as Fiji intensifies efforts to position itself as an attractive destination for investment across sectors including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, business services and information technology.
For Australian businesses, Investment Fiji remains the principal gateway for establishing operations, navigating investment procedures and accessing information on incentives and regulatory requirements. Australia continues to rank among Fiji’s most important investment partners, with Australian companies active in banking, construction, education, tourism, professional services and infrastructure.
The strengthened Board is expected to support Investment Fiji’s role not only in promoting the country internationally but also in improving the investment environment domestically. Investors increasingly look beyond incentives, placing equal weight on regulatory certainty, efficient approvals, skilled labour and institutional capability when selecting investment destinations.
As regional competition for foreign direct investment intensifies, the combination of commercial experience, financial expertise and regulatory knowledge represented on the new Board is likely to be viewed positively by both domestic businesses and overseas investors seeking confidence in Fiji’s investment landscape.
