Strengthening the trading capacity of our business community is important because the Fijian Government is on the verge of ushering Fiji as the ‘hub of the Pacific’ by capitalizing on our advantages and creating enabling conditions for doing business, especially at the border.
That was the key message from Permanent Secretary for Trade and Investment Mr Shaheen Ali as he opened the Investment Fiji Export Seminar this morning at Suva’s Holiday Inn.
He congratulated Investment Fiji for organizing such a forum that will enable traders to better understand and take advantage of trading rules and opportunities, especially in the Pacific market.
“ Resources are being committed on key infrastructure such as roads, and upgrade of our ports (both air and sea) to ensure Fiji’s position the entry port for goods, services, labour and capital in the Region is further reinforced. Our border agencies such as FIRCA, Bio-security and Immigration have also undergone efficiency reforms and reorganization to facilitate cross-border trade and whilst some challenges remain, the Fijian Government will ensure that these are addressed,” he said.
“ The Government recognizes that strengthening our trading infrastructure and environment must go hand-in-hand with acquiring supply side capacity (at the domestic level) and seeking market access, and overcoming tariff and non-tariff barriers, globally.”
Mr Ali said domestically the Fijian government has invested in self sufficiency and economic security through initiatives such as “Fijian Made – Buy Fijian”, Northern Development Program and land reforms.
“It is also committed to creating employment by encouraging investments. The aim is to strengthen our economy internally, which will also build capacity to explore markets overseas and improve our balance of payments and reserves - through exports,’ he said.
“ Our traders understand that the Pacific market is a lucrative one, made up of over 9 million consumers, with numerous opportunities. However, our penetration into this market has been slow due to a number of issues such as high import tariffs, stringent bio-security requirements and high freight charges.”
The seminar under the theme “Barriers to trading with South Pacific Island Countries” will enable the forum with relevant officials and industry specialists, to identify constraints and obstacles that are hindering our exports to the Pacific Island Countries. A major part of the discussion will be assessing the efficacy of the various trade agreements that are in place and the steps that can be taken for their better utilization.
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