The iTaukei Land Trust Board has expressed concerns about some investors making empty promises, describing them as having “big mouths and no money.” CEO Solomoni Nata raised these issues in light of questioning the vetting process by Investment Fiji during a consultation for the TLTB Land Use Master Plan held in Suva.
Nata highlighted that nearly 30 percent of leases are not being used productively, with the tourism sector being particularly affected. “Most of the tourist operators come in with big mouths and no money,” he stated.
He clarified that investors who receive approval from Investment Fiji are issued a certificate allowing them to lease native land in Fiji. Nata emphasized the need for potential investors to have both good intentions and sufficient financial resources rather than relying on government support or “our own money” for project development.
He urged for investments from individuals and entities with actual capital to drive meaningful development. Nata also countered Investment Fiji’s assertion regarding land tenure uncertainty, arguing that native land significantly contributes to the economy. He pointed to developments like Denarau and how native land has been instrumental in various sectors, including tourism and conservation.
Lisala Dyer, Head of Regional and Trade Development at Investment Fiji, mentioned that they stopped issuing Foreign Investment Registration Certificates as of July 31, 2024, transferring that responsibility to investment promotion agencies. He noted a shift in focus towards attracting quality investments rather than simply increasing the number of investments entering the country.