Vinod Patel (courtesy: Fijivillage.com)
The President, executive committee and members of the Australia Fiji Business Council (AFBC) have been saddened to learn of the passing of eminent Fijian businessman Mr Vinod Patel, founder of the Vinod Patel Group. Mr Patel passed away at the Aspen Hospital in Lautoka on January 5. He was 84.
“Mr Patel was a lifetime strong supporter of the bilateral Australia Fiji business relationship including through the business investments in Australia made by the Vinod Patel Group as well as its trading relationship,” Frank Yourn, AFBC Executive Director said.
The Group’s business in Australia, Mesh & Bar Pty Limited, is a steel reinforcing manufacturing business which is a major employer in Australia of some 400 people. Mesh & Bar is one of the major businesses in the industry in Australia. The Group also has investments across the region and in New Zealand.
Mr Patel was a regular attendee at the annual Australia Fiji Business Forum. The Council sends its deepest condolences to Mrs Manjula Patel and other members of the Patel family including their son Dakshesh who is a valued member of the executive committee of the Australia Fiji Business Council and currently Executive Chairman of the Vinod Patel Group.
