Fiji expands trade interest to North America
Investment Fiji CEO Kamal Chetty (standing, right) and Fijian Association of Canada president Sam Basra (right – sitting) with invited guests at the announcement of the soon-to-be launched Fiji Canada Business Council in Suva. Picture: JOSEFA SIGAVOLAVOLA
Fiji is set to expand its trade interest into North America. Investment Fiji CEO Kamal Chetty made this known at the announcement of the soon-to-be launched Fiji Canada Business Council (FCBC). He acknowledged the Fijian Association of Canada for the push towards the establishment of this body. “I think this is the first time we’ve done this, hopefully we can do more of this kind of collaboration in the future,” Mr Chetty said.
“The council will provide facilitation of business partnership, promoting trade and investment between the two countries, people-to-people collaboration especially in emerging sectors like renewable energy and sustainable tourism.”
Fijian Association of Canada president Sam Basra said it was not easy trying to convince government to explore the North American market.
“We usually come during parliament sessions because it’s the time you’ll get the ministers. After that, it’s very difficult to get them,” Mr Basra said in an interview.
“Our message was, why have you thrown us under the bus, why have you ignored the Fijian community in Canada, why are you believing that Australia and New Zealand are the world. My heart has always been in Fiji. It took me about three years to get all the members of the Fijian diaspora in Canada under one umbrella, this means trying to identify opportunities in Canada for our local market. Give us the comfort to contribute to our community because I can guarantee once we start, I am sure that many other prominent businesses in Canada will follow through.
“Now that we’ve achieved what we came here for, the door of Canada is open and you have opened the doors for Fiji to us so here we go.”
Source: The Fiji Times. (https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fiji-expands-trade-interest-to-north-america/)
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