Fiji Soon to Resume Its Role in the Regional Supply Chains
With Fiji being 30 days from its last confirmed case of COVID-19, the country could theoretically resume its role in the regional supply chains soon.
This was revealed by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama via Cisco Webex video teleconference during the official launch of the United States, Allies, and Partners Fiji Forward – Business and Economic Development Roundtables, yesterday.
The discussion held at the United States of America Embassy in Tamavua was attended by a select audience of US and Fijian corporate leaders, government officials, and development bank executives.
Mr Bainimarama said: “We bit the bullet and made hard decisions early on that spared us a large-scale viral outbreak.
“With most businesses having reopened their doors, Fiji could theoretically resume our role in regional supply chains from tomorrow.
“In fact, we are already exploring stepup in our manufacturing and assembly capacities for those looking to relocate supply chains.
“Before this crisis struck, our national carrier, Fiji Airways, was actively exploring new, direct routes to major air travels hubs in Chicago and Dallas, showing the great potential of expanding Fiji’s access and brand affinity to relatively untapped, lucrative markets.
“While we’ve 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.
“You likely know Fiji as a tropical paradise –– and if you’ve watched shows like “Survivor” or “Love Island” while stuck at home, you’re familiar with our pristine beaches and untouched beauty.
“But for those on today’s call, I want you to leave with one impression of Fiji: that we have far more to offer than you expected.
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, Englishspeaking workforce. Above all, Fiji is ripe with immense potential. Let’s tap into it together.”
Trade relationship
US Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella highlighted the long-term trade relationship between the Fiji and the United States, especially how many premier US brands in the hospitality sector played a role in developing Fiji’s high-end tourism sector.
While the tourism sector is temporarily on pause due to COVID-19, Ambassador Cella pointed out that the United States is still open for business.
If Americans cannot visit Fiji, he said, they are eager to enjoy the bounty of Fiji through exports of water, fish, sugar, and agricultural products, like ginger, turmeric, cocoa, and cassava.
He also highlighted that many Fijian companies, which are teleworking, will see the value in US tech products from Microsoft, Cisco, Zoom, and others.
He also talked about how more American companies see Fiji as a development destination. The next roundtable is scheduled for late June which will focus on imports and exports.
Ambassador Cella said the business and economic roundtable discussion was the first of multiple roundtable discussions on where Fiji’s economy is placed.
New grant
The embassy also announced a new grant opportunity for local organisations looking to find novel solutions for economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the Embassy announced new Fiji-wide training programme called the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs
to help build capacity of emerging business owners.
Dan Negrea, the special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the US Department of State presented to the group about US business opportunities.
Stewart Resnick, the chairman of The Wonderful Company, which owns FIJI Water, spoke via Cisco Webex video teleconference. Mr Resnick said the company’s long-term prognosis for Fiji remains strong. Two representatives from the State of Texas also spoke via Cisco Webex video teleconference about possible trade opportunities with Fiji, especially in areas of agriculture and high tech.
Government
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport Faiyaz Koya spoke about the trade relationship between the United States and Fiji.
“To have this discussion, it is a great thing for Fiji as we are being thought about, we have put ourselves in a wonderful position in doing business outside of Fiji.
“The rules of trade may change but opportunities will be available to us to get us to where we were before and beyond,” he said.
Marriott Hotels
Neeraj Chadha, Multi Property Vice President, Fiji & Samoa – Marriott International, General Manager – Sheraton & Westin Resorts, Fiji said through the formed tourism recovery team, there would be more collaboration with various sectors of the industry as well as
Government.
“We are working on a strategic plan on how we can collaborate with the Ministryof Economy,Ministryof Health,Ministry of Employment, and Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders to come up with a phased strategic approach to show that we have a sustainable growth of tourism as Fiji recovers from COVID-19.
“Also, Port Denarau is currently undergoing a $130 million renovation which is supported by Fiji National Provident Fund.
“We are excited to say that we have a fabulous product which customers can enjoy,” Mr Chadha said.
Tourism capital partners
Andrew Griffiths, an owner of Six Senses Fiji, said as tourism stakeholders they were looking at ways to help Fiji get back to its feet.
“Fiji is a unique place in the world in terms of its community.
“We need that community collaboration and this event is part of that collaboration and cooperation because that is how we are going to find our way through this crisis.
“Also as we look at the years to come, it’s a very robust environment for a country that people like to visit.
“So we have to also look at the next strategic assets that are going to be coming for the tourism sector once we go through the COVID-19 crisis.”
Mr Griffiths said in the future, the group also announced a new hotel project in the west.Details of the new resort are yet to be finalised.