Fiji’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is confident that the inaugural Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Investment Roadshow and Trade Fair, which will be held from 3-7 August 2013, at the Sheraton, will boost regional trade and business among Melanesian countries.
“This inaugural event will build on existing strong trade and investment links amongst the MSG region, in line with the vision of our leaders to move the MSG steadily towards a prosperous economic union”, said the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade, Mr Shaheen Ali.
“The event will seek the improve business environment and create favourable conditions to facilitate intra-MSG trade and investment”, added Mr. Ali.
“Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in trade among MSG countries; in fact exports have increased by more than 300%. In 2012, Fiji’s exports to MSG countries was around 7% of its total exports, with enormous potential to increase further. The MSG Investment Roadshow and Trade Fair will provide the catalyst to enhance trade amongst the MSG countries,” said Mr Ali.
To launch the event, a Trade and Investment Seminar will be held on Saturday, 3August 2013, to discuss and explore opportunities for our region’s manufacturers and producers, to grow and develop their businesses, leading to sustainable growth for the region,” he said.
“Key decision makers and relevant Ministries from the MSG region will participate in the Seminar providing the business community direct access to contribute towards a conducive and streamlined regulatory and business environment, increasing the ease of doing business in the region.”
Over 40 companies and investment approval agencies from all the MSG countries will participate in the Trade exhibition as part of the event. Companies include manufacturers, retailers, TCF industries, furniture producers, agro-producers, pharmaceutical firms, consultancy companies, financial institutions, and many more” added the Permanent Secretary.
The event will be held concurrently with the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), taking advantage of the presence of the 23 Pacific nations and 10 observer partners, to promote the goods and services produced in the MSG.
“The event also provides an opportunity for MSG businesses to learn from each other’s experiences, and form long term partnership creating a strong Melanesia that will form the cornerstone for a strong Pacific”, said the Permanent Secretary.
The MSG Investment Roadshow and Trade Fair will be launched by His Excellency, President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, on Saturday, 3 August 2013, and will be attended by the Attorney General and Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and other Ministers from the MSG region.
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