REMARKS: Keynote Address by the Mr Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary for Fiji Ministry of Trade, Co-Operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications

Statements
28 October 2024

Keynote Address by the Mr Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary for Fiji Ministry of Trade, Co=Operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications.

Delivered at the Forum Island Countries and Japan Regional Investment Seminar

28 October 2024.

 

Excellency, Mr Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador of Japan to Fiji

Excellency, Ms Desna Solofa, Acting Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Your Excellency, Yasuji Komaiyama, Director General for Trade Policy and Economic Cooperation, Japan 

Esteemed 17 Japanese Investors/Heads of Reps of FIC IPA’s

Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Good morning and a Bula Vinaka to you all. 

Let me acknowledge the custodians of the land we stand on and their Chiefs past, present and future.

It is my great honour to join you on behalf of our Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, at this important seminar—an event that underscores our shared vision of a vibrant and resilient Pacific. 

Our presence here together today, representing Fiji and other Forum Island Countries, reflects our commitment to a common goal: achieving sustainable growth through enduring partnerships with Japan.

This “Forum Island Countries and Japan Regional Investment Seminar” marks yet another milestone in our journey toward economic resilience and mutual prosperity. 

Fiji Japan Relationship

At a bilateral level, the enduring partnership between Fiji and Japan, rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, has long been a cornerstone of our development. 

Japan’s role as one of Fiji’s key trading partners has greatly contributed to our economic growth. And we look forward to building on this foundation to foster innovative opportunities and stronger, diversified economies across the Pacific. 

Together, we are exploring new opportunities. Fiji and Japan are part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which reaffirms our commitment to a connected and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Whilst Fiji is the only FIC in this body, which constitutes 40% of the World’s GDP, it represents the voices of the Region and SIDS.

Fiji’s Economic Diversification Efforts

While tourism and sugar have been pillars of Fiji’s economy, our Government is committed to expanding into high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and digital innovation. 

Through targeted initiatives, we are making strides to empower our MSMEs—the backbone of our economy. We are creating an eco-system of support for MSMEs through targeted training, accelerators and incubators also putting initiative in place like the Access to MSME Funding Bill.

Fiji Government’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ Project has digitised the ‘Starting a Business’ process and is now also digitising the ‘Building Permits Approval’ process - by bringing multiple Government Departments together under one transparent user friendly platform.

Through our National Digital Strategy, we aim to transform Fiji into a Digital Economy that fosters entrepreneurship, a business-friendly environment  and economic diversification. 

By focusing on sustainability and innovation, we are building an economy that is resilient and well-prepared to face future challenges.

Projects Supported by the Government of Japan

We are deeply grateful to Japan for its unwavering support as we rebuild and revitalise our economies. The two-day seminar will focus on pivotal projects such as the "Economic Recovery in Pacific Island Countries" initiative, which has been crucial in our journey toward post-pandemic resilience. 

Thanks to this support, MSMEs across the Region will be given support to thrive and integrate into local and global value chains. This will create livelihoods for individuals, families, and entire communities.

As we approach the conclusion of this project in November, we see the seeds of a resilient and prosperous Pacific. This means that a MSME in rural Fiji can continue their eco-tourism business, and a young entrepreneur in the Solomon Islands can launch a Cocoa start-up and watch it grow.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we must recognize the long-term potential of initiatives like these to strengthen our economies. They not only drive trade and investment but also equip us to become sustainable, resilient, and adaptable in the face of future disruptions. 

Being Small Island Developing States, we are, unfortunately, more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and projects like these build our resilience.

Promoting Business Development to Solve Social Issues

The second project, "Promoting Business Development by Solving Social Issues," addresses some of our Region's most pressing challenges, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. 

With Japan’s technological expertise, we have the chance to transform these sectors. Imagine our rural communities gaining access to quality healthcare through telemedicine or clean energy solutions reducing reliance on imported fuels while creating jobs. 

These projects hold the power to address urgent needs and pave the way for sustainable, equitable growth across the Pacific. They are In alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, including the trade, investment, and tourism pillars. 

Japan’s commitment to providing advanced technologies and innovative solutions presents a unique opportunity to build a future where the Pacific is not only resilient but thriving, with sustainable development, accessible to all.

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen, this Seminar is more than a platform for discussion—it is a call to action. Let us use this opportunity to forge new partnerships, foster innovation, and lay the groundwork for a resilient, interconnected future. 

The decisions we make and the alliances we form today will shape the future of our Region, ensuring that it prospers for generations to come. I invite each of you to be part of this transformative journey.

Vinaka vakalevu and thank you.

[ENDS]