Seventeen investors from Japan have gathered in Fiji for the Pacific and Japan Regional Investment Seminar, taking place at the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat in Suva.
Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, emphasized that this event aims to showcase collaborative opportunities that can stimulate growth throughout the region. He stated, “The objective of the seminar is to advance Japan’s cooperation with Forum Island nations and to pave the way for tangible projects emerging from this gathering.”
Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Rokuichiro Michii, highlighted the mutual vision of Japan and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) for fostering environmentally sustainable and resilient economic growth that enhances the social and economic welfare of Pacific communities. “This shared vision was reaffirmed by leaders of the Pacific Island Countries and Japan during PALM 10, which took place in July in Japan,” he noted.
Ambassador Michii further remarked, “The definitive commitment expressed by our leaders has set the stage for Japan’s cooperative efforts—both multilateral and bilateral—with members of our Pacific family of nations.”
The seminar aims to encourage regional collaboration and integration through avenues such as trade, investment, tourism, and the development of local industries, including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
He pointed out that while Japanese companies possess advanced technological solutions with great potential for business operations in the Pacific, building connections with Pacific Island governments and private sectors can present challenges. “This seminar serves as a platform to forge these connections and, importantly, it offers a secure environment for the Pacific private sector to witness firsthand the Japanese technologies available and their relevance to various socio-economic challenges faced by countries in the region,” he added.
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