PRIME MINISTER VOREQE BAINIMARAMA'S OPENING STATEMENT AT THE BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS AT THE US EMBASSY

Bula Vinaka.

I’m sure many of you joining this call from overseas would much prefer being here with us in Fiji –– the Fijian people would certainly love to host you.

But even with our direct passenger flights, including to SFO and LAX on hold, Fiji is actively preparing for the day we can safely and fully re-open our engagement with our partners around the world. And we want to start making preparations now for how we make that happen.

Fiji is now 30 days removed from our last confirmed case of COVID-19. We bit the bullet and made hard decisions early on that spared us a large-scale viral outbreak. Now, with most businesses having re-opened their doors, Fiji could theoretically resume our role in regional supply chains from tomorrow. In fact, we’re already exploring a step-up in our manufacturing and assembly capacities for those looking to relocate supply chains.

Before this crisis struck, our national carrier, Fiji Airways, was actively exploring new, direct routes to major air travels hubs in Chicago and Dallas –– showing the great potential of expanding Fiji’s access and brand affinity to relatively untapped, lucrative markets.

While we’ve had to press pause on those plans for now, all of the fundamentals for explosive growth between the US and Fiji lie eagerly in wait. You likely know Fiji as a tropical paradise –– and if you’ve watched shows like “Survivor” or “Love Island” while stuck at home, you’re familiar with our pristine beaches and untouched beauty. But for those on today’s call, I want you to leave with one impression of Fiji: that we have far more to offer than you expected.

Fiji is a nation of immense potential for investment, including in the services sector –– a nation that is served by geographic advantages, a built-in luxury brand, and a skilled IT-savvy, English-speaking workforce. Above all, Fiji is ripe with immense potential. Let’s tap into it together.
 
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.