All of the fundamentals for explosive growth between the US and Fiji lie eagerly in wait - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji is already exploring a step-up in our manufacturing and assembly capacities for those looking to relocate supply chains.

While opening the first Fiji Forward Roundtable Discussions at the US Embassy, Bainimarama says Fiji bit the bullet and made hard decisions early on that spared us a large-scale COVID-19 outbreak.

The series includes participants from the Fijian government, the private sector, the World Bank, representatives from the US Embassy, US State Department, the State of Texas, Australian High Commission and New Zealand High Commission.

Bainimarama says now, with most businesses having re-opened their doors, Fiji could theoretically resume our role in regional supply chains from tomorrow.

The Prime Minister further says Fiji is now 30 days removed from our last confirmed case of COVID-19.

He adds before this crisis struck, Fiji Airways, was actively exploring new, direct routes to major air travel hubs in Chicago and Dallas – showing the great potential of expanding Fiji’s access and brand affinity to relatively untapped, lucrative markets.

Bainimarama says while we have had to press pause on those plans for now, all of the fundamentals for explosive growth between the US and Fiji lie eagerly in wait.

He told the people that they likely know Fiji as a tropical paradise – and if you have watched shows like “Survivor” or “Love Island” while stuck at home, you’re familiar with Fiji’s pristine beaches and untouched beauty.

Bainimarama told the participants that Fiji has far more to offer than they expect.

The Prime Minister says Fiji is a nation of immense potential for investment, including in the services sector – a nation that is served by geographic advantages, a built-in luxury brand, and a skilled IT-savvy, English-speaking workforce.

He told them that above all, Fiji is ripe with immense potential adding let’s tap into it together. Meanwhile, Minister for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya says for Fiji, the rules may change in terms of how we do business overseas.

While speaking after the Fiji Forward Series of round table discussions held at the US Embassy in Fiji, Koya says the rules of trade may change, what opportunities are going to available to us and the diversification that is required to take us back to where we want be.

Koya says all these were part of the discussions today.

The US Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella says their colleagues at the State Department that are charged with stimulating business and investment between Fiji and US and the US State of Texas were also represented during the meeting.

Cella says the State of Texas has spotted opportunities and they are also in conversations with other states who are keen on doing bilateral trade missions with Fiji.