1.3 Million Reasons to Explore Ocean Space: President tells
Two business councils were given 1.3 million reasons to further their interests in the ocean arena, as President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere called for more exchange of information and experience in that domain.
In his opening address at the Fiji New Zealand Business Council and its New Zealand counterpart, he said Fiji’s Blue Pacific was home to many untapped opportunities in the ocean space.
“That is why Fiji has set itself on a path to become the world’s bluest economy,” Ratu Wiliame told the joint conference, at Sofitel Fiji
Beach Resort and Spa, Nadi.
“New Zealand has a wealth of expertise and resources in recycling, renewable energy, coastal protection, and aquaculture.
“Let’s bring more of these minds to Fiji.”
Fiji’s ocean covers 1.3 million square kilometers of ocean –– including some of the world’s richest reefs.
“That makes for 1.3 million reasons these councils should be exploring avenues,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“It is this century’s greatest opportunity.”
More than 5000 Fijian companies have recorded trade in New Zealand over the past five years, Ratu Wiliame said.
“Knowing how terribly affected
our people were due to the economic fallout, Fiji took decisive steps to become one of the first countries in our region to safely re-open,” he said.
“We are now projecting recordbreaking, double-digit economic growth this year.”
“As island nations, we’ll always be importers in some way or another.
“Expanding trade within our region is simply a more resilient model.”
Ratu Wiliame called for another collaborative round between the Fiji New Zealand Business Council’s and the Fiji Australian Business Council.
“A few years ago these two Fijibased councils hosted a joint conference that included their respective sister councils – the New Zealand Fiji Business Council and the Australia Fiji Business Council,” he said.
“I hope to see another soon.” He called on the two councils to tap into the agriculture sector through assistance in the technical and export marketing resources.
“There’s an opportunity for more diversification that taps the talents of farmers, our hospitable climate and our islands’ large swathes of arable land,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“Ultimately, farmers who practice mixed cash cropping are more resilient and successful at making a living.”