The iTaukei Land Trust Board has raised concerns about certain investors who, according to CEO Solomoni Nata, often deliver “empty promises” and lack sufficient financial backing. Nata made these comments following an inquiry into the vetting process employed by Investment Fiji.
During the TLTB Land Use Master Plan Key Stakeholders consultation held in Suva, Nata highlighted a significant issue the board faces: nearly 30 percent of land leases are not being utilized effectively, with the tourism sector experiencing an even more pronounced challenge. He noted, “What we found out was that most of the tourist operators came in with big mouths and no money; they have no money.”
Nata emphasized that investors who obtain approval from Investment Fiji are granted a certificate allowing them to lease native land in Fiji. He stressed that prospective investors should come with both good intentions and financial resources instead of relying on governmental support or using “our own money” to kickstart their projects.
“Bring in people who have the money to come and invest,” he urged.
He also dismissed Investment Fiji’s assertion about the uncertainty of land tenure in the country, arguing that native land is a crucial contributor to the economy. Nata pointed out examples from Denarau and various real estate developments that have significantly supported the national economy, noting that many of these projects were established on native land. He added that entities such as the Housing Authority, Energy Fiji Ltd, and numerous others involved in tourism and conservation all depend on native land.
In response, Lisala Dyer, Head of Regional and Trade Development at Investment Fiji, mentioned that the agency ceased to issue Foreign Investment Registration Certificates as of July 31, 2024, with this responsibility now shifting to investment promotion agencies. Dyer stated that with this change, Investment Fiji is now focused on attracting quality investments rather than merely increasing the quantity of investments entering the country.