Australian and Fijian Businesses gathered to hear of trade & Investment opportunities in Brisbane on 29th July, 2017
— By AFBC
The Fiji-Queensland Trade & Investment Symposium that was held at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, Brisbane on 20th July and opened by the Honourable Prime Minister of The Republic of Fiji, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama with a statement from the Australian Government being made by Hon Curtis Pitt MP, Queensland’s Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, both celebrating the close ties between Fiji and Queensland in business, economic links and of course, rugby! Hon Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Fiji Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources also provided a welcome address for the event.
The Symposium was well attended by a range of delegates from Australia, Fiji and beyond who were interested in the business and investment opportunities that Fiji can offer. The clear message from the day, to quote Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, is that ‘Fiji is open for Business.’
The Fijian Government is supportive of growth of business and investment into Fiji with policy changes and initiatives that aim to improve the business enabling environment in Fiji, which was reflected in the effort put into ensuring this event was a success. There is also a clear desire to see Fiji diversify their economy whilst still supporting growth in their star industry, Tourism. The range of speakers also looked at opportunities and success stories from the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as well as growth strategies and future trends in the Agriculture and Mining industries.
The program delivered a great range of engaging speakers on various topics including Shainiel Deo, CEO and Founder of Halfbrick Studios, creators of the global mobile game sensation, Fruit Ninja, Saud Minam, CEO of ANZ Fiji, Anthony Cassar, Managing Director, Pacific Centrecomm and Ronald Prasad, CCO of Vodafone Fiji who spoke about their own organisations, journeys and Fiji being positioned as a leading edge ICT offshoring destination.
Other speakers included Hon Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Agriculture, Mike Spencer, General Manager of Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Ltd, Roger Masters, CEO of Buderim Ginger and Marika Ritova, Engineer Mines, Mineral Resources Department, Godo Mueller-Teut, CEO, Investment Fiji, Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism and His Excellency Yogesh Punja, Fijian High Commissioner to Australia who delivered a vote of thanks.
Delegates were also treated to a selection of trade booths displaying some of Fiji’s produce and services throughout the day. It was a great day for learning more and networking and we thank The Fijian Consulate General and all involved for making the day a success.
The Fijian Consulate General & Trade Commission office is well-appointed to work with all the Symposium delegates and other interested parties to assist in making potential investment plans in Fiji a reality. This may be in the form of additional information on the availability of land in Fiji, the regulatory environment, profile of the Fijian workforce or tax investment incentives.
The AFBC also took the opportunity to invite Symposium Delegates to the 23rd Australia Fiji Business Forum which will be taking place in Sydney in mid-October. To be informed of this and other upcoming AFBC events, you can subscribe to updates at the bottom of this page.
Presentations are available on the Fijian Consulate General website. Photos from the event will also be posted there shortly.
