Govt, FNPF in talks to build conference facility
Proposed plan is expected to be part of FNPF’s Momi Bay project.
Government is in discussion with the Fiji National Provident Fund to build a conference facility with a lot more capacity. The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, highlighted this yesterday during the Fiji Business Forum organised by the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Holiday Inn Suva. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said this would particularly be in preparation for the Asian Development Bank’s annual meeting which Fiji has volunteered to host.
The proposed conference facility is expected to be part of FNPF’s Momi Bay project. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum stressed: “They (ADB) generally have about 4000 people attending this annual meeting all at once.”
It is also worthy to note that this meeting has never been held in the Pacific, which would make it another first for Fiji. “Room inventory does not exist in Suva but it does exist in the Western Division,” he said. “We have had discussions with the FNPF to build such a conference facility in Momi that is halfway between Denarau, InterContinental Fiji and the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort etc.”
Room inventory in Suva
At the same time, Mr SayedKhaiyum has urged businesses to invest in increasing the room inventory capacity in Suva. As noted during the first Super Rugby match held in Suva this month, there is a serious shortage of room inventory in Suva. This means while we have the capacity in the stadium, it becomes hard in terms of accommodation. “We have a lot of opportunities in that areas and want to have FNPF and companies like Fijian Holdings to think about those opportunities.
“If we are strategic in our thinking and partner with Government, then there is room for growth in years to come.” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Government is already doing its bit with its four-lane project from Nausori to Suva making access from the Nausori International Airport easier.
He said the significance of this was that a lot of international meetings are held here now. But while Government is investing in infrastructure for easier access, the private sector needs to participate and invest in creating the room inventory.