Canada’s forthcoming embassy to be situated in Fiji

The forthcoming establishment of Canada’s inaugural embassy in the Pacific Islands is set to be situated in Fiji.

Brampton East Ontario Member of Parliament, Maninder Sidhu says this is a testament to the growing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Sidhu during a community event in Ontario Canada as part of the Fiji North-America Business Mission highlighted the deepening collaboration between Canada and Fiji.

He says the bond between Fiji and Canada has flourished over more than half a century of diplomatic relations as the Indo-Pacific strategy deepens and diversifies Canada's partnership it enhances the country’s trade investment and supply chain resilience with a world's fastest-growing region.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica emphasised the shared economic expansion goals of both governments during the mission.

The Minister says he outlined the objectives of reconnecting with the diaspora community and fostering investment and trade partnerships.

He says they initiated this Business Mission last week in Surrey, Canada and had an Investment Forum there with two primary objectives, firstly, to re-establish ties with the Fijian community as they rebuild Fiji and secondly, an investment and trade mission, aiming to forge direct connections on the ground and try to do business together.

Kamikamica also highlighted significant investment opportunities as Google's plans to establish a subsea cable in Fiji. He says there is no secret that there are some challenges such as infrastructure and hospital issues and the Government is focused on trying to grow the economy as it is the only way to tackle these issues.

He further says he also discussed advancements in the agriculture sector and the collaboration with Fiji Water to unlock the country's agricultural potential.

He adds when they were in the United States of America, the Fiji Water which is an Agri powerhouse in America has expressed that they will be working with the Fijian government to try and unlock the potential in Fiji.

Association President Chandra Prakash Maharaj highlighted the association's contributions to Fiji, including educational scholarships and support during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fiji delegation is set to participate in a Business Forum in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Fiji North-America Business Mission, organized by Investment Fiji and the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications.