Fiji is poised to increase its trade engagement with North America, marking a significant step for the island nation. This initiative was announced by Kamal Chetty, CEO of Investment Fiji, during the introduction of the Fiji Canada Business Council (FCBC).
Chetty expressed gratitude towards the Fijian Association of Canada for their efforts in establishing this council. He stated, “This is the first time we’ve done this, and hopefully we can engage in more collaborations like this in the future.” The FCBC aims to facilitate business partnerships and promote trade and investment opportunities between Fiji and Canada, with a particular focus on emerging sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
Sam Basra, president of the Fijian Association of Canada, highlighted the challenges faced in advocating for government exploration of North American markets. “We usually come during parliament sessions because it’s the best time to connect with the ministers. It’s difficult to engage with them afterward,” he explained in an interview. Basra expressed a sense of urgency, asking why the Fijian government had overlooked the community in Canada and emphasized the need to recognize opportunities beyond Australia and New Zealand.
Basra shared that uniting the Fijian diaspora in Canada took nearly three years, and he is optimistic about the potential for local market contributions. He believes that once they start making inroads, other Canadian enterprises will likely follow suit.
“Now that we’ve achieved our goal, the doors of Canada are open to Fiji, and we are ready to move forward,” he declared.
This development represents a promising opportunity for Fiji, opening new channels for commerce and collaboration in response to evolving global market trends. Emphasizing sectors like renewable energy aligns with global sustainability efforts, ensuring that Fiji not only expands its economic reach but does so in a responsible manner.
In summary, the establishment of the Fiji Canada Business Council signals a hopeful future for trade relations, paving the way for increased collaboration and economic growth between Fiji and North America.
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