A team from Aitken Spence PLC, a leading Sri Lankan conglomerate, recently visited Fiji through its subsidiary Elpitiya Plantations to explore potential business opportunities in the agricultural sector. The four-day trip was organized with the help of Investment Fiji, the Commercial Agriculture Taskforce, and several government ministries focused on trade, agriculture, and small enterprises.
During their visit, the Aitken Spence delegation engaged with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, food processing facilities, distributors, and local farmers. Dr. Rohan Fernando, a Board Director at Aitken Spence PLC, noted that these interactions provided invaluable insights and fostered discussions aimed at identifying and developing viable agricultural opportunities in Fiji.
Dr. Fernando commented on the significant potential for commercial farming in Fiji, particularly in areas such as papaya, pineapples, dragon fruits, berries, coffee, tea, mangoes, cinnamon, lime, and passion fruit. He emphasized a comprehensive approach that includes innovative farming practices and advanced processing methods, focusing on local consumption as well as export markets.
The agenda of the visit included site inspections and meetings with local stakeholders. Significant discussions took place with Nature’s Way Cooperative and Jack’s Mango Farm, exploring opportunities for mango and strawberry cultivation. Additionally, meetings with Ranadi Plantation and Bula Coffee opened prospects for future collaborations in plantation agriculture and coffee production.
Aitken Spence aims to introduce advanced agricultural technologies and explore renewable energy options, which are expected to significantly boost Fiji’s agricultural productivity and sustainability. Kamal Chetty, Chief Executive of Investment Fiji, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its alignment with the vision for sustainable economic growth and the potential benefits for Fiji’s agricultural sector and overall economy.
Investment Fiji played a crucial role in supporting the visit by providing insights into Fiji’s investment environment, connecting Aitken Spence with local partners, and offering guidance on regulatory and economic issues. Aitken Spence is now preparing for follow-up visits to conduct a more in-depth analysis, with anticipated investments expected to decrease Fiji’s reliance on imported agricultural products and create new export opportunities.