Seventeen Japanese investors are currently in Fiji attending the Pacific and Japan Regional Investment Seminar at the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat in Suva.
Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, stated that the seminar emphasizes opportunities and collaborations aimed at stimulating growth throughout the region. “The aim of the seminar is to continue Japan’s cooperation with Forum Island countries, ultimately leading to tangible projects initiated from this seminar,” Ali remarked.
Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Rokuichiro Michii, highlighted the shared vision between Japan and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) for achieving environmentally sustainable economic growth that enhances the social and economic well-being of the Pacific people. “This vision was reaffirmed by the leaders of the Pacific Island Countries and Japan during the PALM 10 held in Japan this past July,” he noted.
Michii added that the steadfast commitment of leaders from both sides has laid the groundwork for Japan’s multilateral and bilateral cooperation with its Pacific partners.
The seminar aims to bolster regional cooperation and integration through avenues such as trade, investment, tourism, and the advancement of local industries, including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
While acknowledging the significant potential for Japanese companies equipped with advanced technologies to engage in business within the Pacific, Michii pointed out the challenges of establishing networks with Pacific Island governments and private sectors. He described the seminar as a crucial platform for creating these networks, allowing the private sector in the Pacific to explore Japanese technologies and understand their applicability to the various socio-economic issues faced by countries in the region.
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