Fiji, Singapore plan economic partnership

FIJI and Singapore have pledged their commitment to sustainable and inclusive recovery, with accelerated and collective efforts to tackle current challenges imposed by COVID19 and the impacts of climate change.

This was articulated during a virtual meeting between the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and acting permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs, Yogesh Karan and Singapore’s nonresident High Commissioner to Fiji and Ambassador to the Pacific Islands Forum, Mary Seet-Cheng.

The meeting enabled officials to take stock of ongoing collaboration while discussing potential areas of cooperation to be pursued by the two nations.

In opening remarks, Mr Karan spoke on Fiji’s overall response to the pandemic and the national efforts pursued to build back better and ultimately revive the Fijian economy, in partnership with Fiji’s development partners.

He said that through the national vaccination program, Fiji was progressing its efforts towards economic recovery while protocols are being mapped out on safely reopening the borders.

Mr Karan said Fiji in its capacity as Chair of the Forum (PIF) looks forward to working closely with Singapore to further advance the interests of the Blue Pacific Continent.

In his update on the priorities of the Forum Chair, he reiterated Fiji’s commitment to a unified region, with emphasis on the importance of the 2050 Strategy to advance regional solidarity and prosperity.

Mr Karan said the Forum members are united in their resolve to advocate for collective action on climate change and oceans conservation, particularly at the global level and in anticipation of the upcoming COP26 in November.

In response, High Commissioner Seet-Cheng acknowledged Fiji’s exemplary leadership on global and regional issues and commended the Fijian Government for its decisive actions aimed at achieving a resilient and inclusive recovery.

She congratulated Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for the chairmanship of the PIF and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to align collaboration that was responsive to the challenges and needs of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Additionally, assurance has been given that Singapore will broaden the scope of assistance in capacity building, with hybrid training and virtual courses to continue for Fiji and the Pacific.

She said Fiji and Singapore have enjoyed cordial relations which continues to flourish in mutual areas of interest and benefit to both nations.-news@govnet.gov.fj