Remarks by the Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Desna Solofa
at the Forum Island Countries and Japan Regional Investment Seminar
28 October 2024. Suva, Fiji.
His Excellency, Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, and Permanent Representative of Japan to the Pacific Islands Forum
Mr Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for Fiji’s Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises
Mr Yasuji Komiyama, Director General for Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Members of the Diplomatic Corp
Government Officials and Representatives of Investment Promoting Agencies
Senior Officials
Distinguished representatives from the Pacific and Japanese private sector
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good morning to all of you,
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to this Forum Island Countries and Japan Regional Investment Seminar. Today marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the Pacific Islands Forum and Japan, as we advance opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism across our Forum Island Countries (FICs).
This seminar stems from the Japan-supported project, "Economic Recovery through the Promotion of Trade, Investment, and Tourism in Forum Island Countries." The $1.07 million project, introduced by the Government of Japan, is a critical pillar in our post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts. Its objective is to foster resilience and growth through enhancing trade, encouraging investment, and revitalising tourism between Forum Island Countries and Japan. This reflects the aspirations of Pacific Islands Forum Leaders who have highlighted these in the Resource and Economic Development thematic area of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
To this end, the Project’s four key objectives are to:
Promote tourism and exports from Forum Island Countries to Japan;
Increase Japanese investments in Forum Island Countries;
Boost exports from Forum Island Countries to Japan; and
Establish an online platform to connect stakeholders from Japan and Forum Island Countries.
Today’s seminar is central to achieving the second objective through business matching between Japanese investors and FIC governments, and the private sector. I am delighted to learn that we have in attendance representatives from 17 Japanese companies, who are enthusiastic and prepared to explore investment opportunities in the Pacific. I strongly encourage our Forum member countries to seize this opportunity and engage meaningfully in discussions around investor-ready projects.
This event is more than a business-matching exercise. It is a milestone in our shared journey towards fostering sustainable, transformative, and inclusive development. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the forthcoming Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development recognise investment as a catalyst for driving resilient economic growth.
While the economic recovery of our FICs post-COVID-19 has been gradual, the potential for impactful investments is vast. The Pacific is endowed with rich natural resources and diverse cultures, offering unique opportunities for Japanese investors. From infrastructure to renewable energy, and from digital transformation to niche tourism, our region stands ready to welcome investment that not only spurs economic growth but also aligns with our sustainable development goals.
The Pacific is open for business, and we are committed to creating an environment conducive to foreign investment. Investment Promoting Agencies will later present on investor-ready projects across key sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, and digital economy.
Tourism, too, remains a key area of potential collaboration. The beauty and hospitality of our islands have long attracted Japanese tourists, and we believe there is scope to further deepen our cooperation in this sector. As part of this project, tourism brochures for each Forum Island Country have been developed, aimed at attracting more Japanese visitors to experience the pristine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique travel offerings of the Pacific.
We are also excited about tomorrow’s presentation on another Japan-supported initiative, the "Promoting Business Development by Solving Social Issues in Pacific Island Countries" project, implemented by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. This aligns closely with our vision of fostering businesses that address social challenges, driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat remains committed to strengthening the economic ties between our region and Japan. The foundations for enhancing trade, boosting investment, and promoting tourism are already in place. What we need now is deeper collaboration, greater innovation, and a shared vision for a prosperous and resilient future.
As we embark on this business matching initiative, I encourage us all to explore these opportunities and consider the Pacific as your next investment destination. Together, we can build a vibrant and resilient Pacific economy that enhances the livelihoods of our people and deepens the kizuna between the Pacific and Japan.
I look forward to fruitful discussions and successful outcomes from this event.
Vinaka vakalevu, arigato gozaimasu!
[ENDS]
