The Hindu Business Line : Fiji PM invites investments from India

The Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr Laisenia Qarase, being welcomed by the Assocham President, Mr M.K. Sanghi, at a meeting with Indian businessmen in the Capital on Monday. — Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , Oct 10

THE Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr Laisenia Qarase, on Monday invited businessmen from India to invest in his country.

At a meeting, jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industries and The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham), the Fiji Premier announced the opening of a Fiji High Commission in Delhi.

Inviting Indian investors to Fiji, he said, "Our Government has taken pro-business measures like considering the setting up of a Fiji-India Business Council. We have worked towards creating a stable and vibrant business environment in Fiji, putting in place various incentives for Indian investors, and thus ensuring a bright and prosperous future for investors in our country."

He said Fiji holds great promise for Indian businesses in the fields of information and communication technologies, engineering, healthcare, tourism and the entertainment sector.

"Fiji tourism is currently enjoying strong growth and it offers exciting potential for expansion by Indian hospitality and hotel companies," he added. The Minister also pointed out the prominent Indian organisations already have a presence in Fiji, including New India Assurance, Life Insurance Corporation of India and Bank of Baroda. Recently, the Apollo Group of hospitals and the sugar and engineering industries have showed a keen interest in exploring business opportunities in his country, he said. In his address, Mr Mahendra K. Sanghi, President, Assocham said, "Fiji holds immense potential for Indian business as a gateway to Australia, EU, Japan and Canada, as it shares preferential access agreements with all these nations. Besides, Fiji also has strong infrastructure and a very supportive Government."

Mr Ashwin Dani, senior committee member of FICCI, said, "This visit signals a new step towards furthering India-Fiji bilateral ties by increasing two-way trade between the two nations."

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