Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate in Sri Lanka, is exploring new opportunities in the agricultural sector through its subsidiary Elpitiya Plantations during a recent four-day visit to Fiji. The trip was organized with assistance from Investment Fiji, the Commercial Agriculture Taskforce, and ministries responsible for trade and agriculture.
During their visit, the Aitken Spence team interacted with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, food processing companies, distributors, and local farmers. Dr. Rohan Fernando, a board director at Aitken Spence PLC, noted that these discussions allowed for valuable insights and helped identify viable agricultural ventures in Fiji.
Dr. Fernando emphasized that Fiji offers numerous opportunities for commercial farming, particularly in areas such as papaya, pineapples, dragon fruits, berries, coffee, tea, mangoes, cinnamon, lime, and passion fruit. The company’s strategy includes innovative farming methods and advanced processing techniques, focusing both on local consumption and international export markets.
The visit involved site inspections and significant meetings with various local stakeholders. Key discussions took place with Nature’s Way Cooperative and Jack’s Mango Farm, where the potential for mango and strawberry cultivation was assessed. Meetings with Ranadi Plantation and Bula Coffee also highlighted opportunities for future partnerships in plantation agriculture and coffee production.
Aitken Spence aims to introduce advanced agricultural technologies and explore renewable energy solutions, which are expected to boost Fiji’s agricultural productivity and sustainability. Kamal Chetty, Chief Executive of Investment Fiji, remarked that the collaboration with Aitken Spence aligns with their vision for sustainable economic growth and could yield substantial benefits for Fiji’s agricultural sector and the economy.
Investment Fiji was instrumental in facilitating the visit, offering insights into the investment landscape in Fiji, connecting Aitken Spence with local partners, and providing information on regulatory and economic factors. Aitken Spence is preparing for further visits to conduct a more thorough assessment, with the goal of reducing Fiji’s dependence on imported agricultural products and tapping into new export opportunities.