A team from Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate based in Sri Lanka, recently visited Fiji through its subsidiary Elpitiya Plantations to explore new opportunities in the agricultural sector. This four-day visit was coordinated with the assistance of Investment Fiji, the Commercial Agriculture Taskforce, and several governmental ministries.
During the trip, the delegation from Aitken Spence met with various stakeholders, including government officials, food processing companies, distributors, and local farmers. Board Director Dr. Rohan Fernando emphasized that these interactions provided valuable insights and fostered discussions aimed at recognizing and advancing agricultural opportunities in Fiji.
Dr. Fernando noted, “Fiji offers numerous opportunities for commercial farming, especially in areas such as papaya, pineapples, dragon fruits, berries, coffee, tea, mangoes, cinnamon, lime, and passion fruit. Our strategy is multifaceted, focusing on innovative farming techniques and advanced processing methods that cater to both local markets and export.”
The visit also involved site inspections and discussions with several local entities, including the Nature’s Way Cooperative and Jack’s Mango Farm, where prospects for mango and strawberry farming were evaluated. Meetings with Ranadi Plantation and Bula Coffee opened discussions on potential partnerships in plantation agriculture and coffee growing.
Aitken Spence is dedicated to introducing advanced agricultural technologies and renewable energy solutions, which are anticipated to enhance both productivity and sustainability within Fiji’s agricultural landscape. Kamal Chetty, Chief Executive of Investment Fiji, remarked, “The positive interactions with Aitken Spence align perfectly with our vision for sustainable economic growth. We are optimistic about the potential advantages this cooperation will bring to Fiji’s agricultural sector and overall economy.”
Investment Fiji was instrumental in facilitating the visit, providing insights into the investment environment, connecting Aitken Spence with local partners, and offering guidance on regulatory and economic factors. Aitken Spence is now preparing for future visits to conduct a comprehensive analysis, aiming to reduce Fiji’s dependence on imported agricultural goods and to open new export opportunities.