Investment
NEWSLETTER
30th June 2014 | ISSUE #3
Message from the Executive Chairman
IN THIS ISSUE
Message from
the Executive
Chairman
Investment Trend
Investor
Testimonial
EVENTS
Prime Minister's
Exporter Awards
WAIPA
Conference in
Turkey
Fiij-PNG Business
Council Forum
Laselevu, Tailevu
Roadshow
- Mr. Truman Bradley
As Executive Chairman of Investment Fiji, I would like to acknowledge the support of both
the Fijian Government and Private Sector for having confidence within Investment Fiji and
myself as the Executive Chairman
Investment Fiji is a tool for the implementation of a Vision and in the coming months I
would like to affirm our commitment to all Investors and exporters, that we stand ready to
help you realise your investment ventures, develop new markets; encourage traditional
trading partners of our commitment to develop exports, and help brand Fiji as the hub of
the pacific. Investment Fiji are here to implement our common vision.
Investment Fiji is the agency promoting Fiji's investment opportunities to the global
business community and providing assistance to investors before, during and after their
entry into Fiji. Investment Fiji aims to contribute to our economic development through
attracting foreign investments in priority sectors of economy and stimulating expansion of
our country's exports of Fijian Made products.
I have a vision to promote Fiji as a desirable investment location enabling greater foreign
direct investment whilst enhancing existing investor’s opportunities both local and foreign.
Investment Fiji will soon have a new CEO and it is my desire to develop a digital platform
enabling relevant, timely, current, quality information to investors and ensuring that Fiji's
environment is conducive to foreign direct investment.
Investment Fiji's commitment to enhance trade relationship between Fiji and its regional
neighbors will further be strengthened through a planned in-bound mission from the USA, a
proposed mission to Australia, participation at the MSG Roadshow and Trade Fair to be held
in PNG in November and a Trade and Investment Mission to China coinciding attendance to
the Yiwu Forest Fair and China International Investment and Trade Fair toward the end of
October and early November.
Investment Fiji has started assisting exporters to take part in the 2014 Westpac Prime
Minister's Exporter of the Year Awards which was launched by the Minister for Industry and
Trade on 24th June. I am optimistic that we will have a larger cross section across all sectors
apply for the awards and gain recognition.
You the exporters we value your hard work and we salute you. You all will be recognised.
Please do not hesitate to contact Investment Fiji for more information on the awards.
Finally to conclude my first newsletter I wish to reiterate without your support and feedback
enabling a vision that is holistic in nature and encompasses all facets of the investment
process will amount to nothing so I urge all investors to engage Investment Fiji so that we
can achieve this common vision.
Vinaka.
Our Vision
Investment Fiji will be a dynamic force in the creation of economic wealth in Fiji through the promotion, facilitation
and stimulation of investments and exports.
Our Mission
Investment Fiji shall actively promote investments and export of goods and services. It shall provide fast and friendly
service to investors and exporters and shall provide quality advice to the government for increasing investment and
export. Investment Fiji aims to stimulate the development of new and existing industries by facilitating their
establishment, expansion and diversification.
Investment
Investment Trend
Investment Trend
A total 66 foreign projects were issued the Foreign Investment Registration
Certificate (FIRC) for the end of second Quarter of 2014 with a proposed value of
$125.3 million and an expected employments creation of 874.
For the months of April and May a total of 309 investment registration enquiries
were facilitated by Investment Fiji. These enquiries were based mainly on
registration for the Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC), tax
incentives
and
concessions
and
land
availability.
218 businesses/investors who contacted Investment Fiji through emails, telephone
and by physical enquiry were assisted on issues relating to immigration, taxation,
approvals and permits related to setting up a business in Fiji.
In addition, Investment Fiji conducted 68 site visits to registered projects as part of
its facilitation and monitoring role. Out of the total, 51 were monitoring site visits
and 17 site visits were related to facilitation. This role involves liaising and
attending to issues faced by investors and working with other investment approval
agencies by organising meetings and site visits.
Fiji-PNG Business
Council Forum
Fiji-PNG Business Council holds Forum for members
The Fiji-PNG Business Council hosted a Forum for its Members to discuss the Challenges of
Trading with PNG on 19th June at the Grand Pacific Hotel. As the Council continues with its effort
to revive trade between the two economies, this Forum was the second organized by the Council this
year and saw panelist from the private sector, regulatory and stakeholder partners discussing the
challenges of trading with PNG in the areas of Shipping, Customs and Quarantine.
The members had the opportunity to discuss issues with the Panelist at the Forum and address or
resolve obstacles that hinder growth. The Fiji-PNG Business Council’s objective is to foster trade
and investment opportunities between the two countries and such Forums will identify barriers to
trade which regulatory bodies will try and resolve moving forward. Trade between Fiji & PNG has
been on an upward trend and the Council would like to assist in maintaining this by encouraging
dialogue between the private sector and government agencies to resolve issues that hinder trade.
Investment
ADI CHOCOLATE FIJI
Pure dark chocolate……..Harvested and processed in Fiji
Investor
Testimonial
Adi Chocolate Fiji, the world's purest chocolate factory is on the Cacao Island of Fiji. We make
our chocolate by hand, ancient way, using just two ingredients: tropical sun-dried Trinitario
beans grown in the deep rainforests on this island, and raw cane sugar grown on this island. All
natural from planting to processing, our chocolate forms while breathing uncontaminated
South Pacific Breeze. We never add chemicals, but we always add laughter and love.
Our mission is to provide peace and happiness to the world through the chocolate
manufacturing business. During our interesting experience of having authentic Japanese
restaurant in the heart of Savusavu, Fiji in right after the turn of the century, we encountered
beautifully painted coco (cacao) pods. We fell in love with the nature of the fruits and indulged
into the art of processing chocolate at our restaurant. Our homemade chocolate ice cream sold
much more than our famous sushi rolls which amazed us as well as many gourmet customers
who came from all over the world.
In 2007, we have decided to manufacture state of the art dark chocolates using all the available
resources found in Fiji. It was hard steps toward meeting our demands. Although Fiji does not
have the chocolate history or culture like Olmec, Aztec or Maya, we have very unique history of
the cacao trees. I would call Fiji as a Koko (cacao) Island.
Cacao farmers in Fiji had increased their numbers. After the government monopolized
distribution channel had collapsed followed by the market drop, all the farmers have shifted
their crops to more profitable crops like dalo (taro), cassava (tapioca), and yagona (kava).
In Vanua Levu Is., many old cacao farmers have passed away with memories of the good olden
days. We do respect them and try to proof the world how beautiful the Fiji chocolate is.
All we thought was to revitalize the soul full Fijian cacao trees. After our effort of pruning,
flowers started to bloom, and earlier this year (2008) we could see beautiful crops. With the help
of Mother Nature, we revitalized our soul full cacao trees and it’s time for us to process the
finest dark chocolates.
Our chocolate processes are like composing an orchestra with Mother Nature. Most of the
works are done by the nature. We are the composer guiding where to go and what to do. So we
built our chocolate taste and aroma from bottom to top like a pyramid. Chocolate aroma and
taste always taps into deep well of memory and desire. It's a Seed of Happiness.
Other articles on our company endeavors….
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=174146
http://www.fijisun.com.fj/2013/01/05/chocolate-factory-plan-on-denarau/
http://www.fijilive.com/news/2012/11/double-joy-for-adi-chocolate/49053.Fijilive
Laselevu
Roadshow
Participation at Key Events
Investment
Investment Fiji Participates at the Laselevu Roashow in Tailevu
Investment Fiji participated at the 2 days Government Roadshow that was held at Laselevu, Naitasiri
from the 28th-29th May hosted by the Ministry of Rural & Maritime Development & National
Disaster Management. The objective of the show was taking government services to the rural and
remote communities of the interior of Naitasiri. This roadshow initiative was to allowed rural people
to use services provided by the government and also to encourage them to take advantage of the
opportunities in terms of new economic development such as agriculture, fisheries and other available
scheme to boost their standard of living.
During the event, Investment Fiji booth received a number of enquiries from landowners and
individuals in terms of acquiring information on joint venture partnership with investors on how to
engage in starting a commercial project on the Mataqali land, how to start an export business and
securing market for local produces. Local communities were advised and consulted on various
investment and export opportunities available of which they can access to and also were provided with
information kits.
WAIPA
Conference in
Turkey
Investment Fiji Chairman attends World Association Investment Promotional Agencies
(WAIPA) Investment Conference (WIC14)
The Chairman Investment Fiji, Mr. Truman Bradley attended the World Association Investment
Promotional Agencies (WAIPA) Investment Conference (WIC14) which is an annual event for Senior
Government officials to interact with distinguished economists and opinion makers with other top
corporate executives and together, debate on issues that rank at the top of the investment from the 13
– 15 of May. 86 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) attended the 3-day annual event in Istanbul,
Turkey at the Four Seasons Bosphorus Hotel. Mr. Bradley had the opportunity to network with peers
from around the world, to share best practices and investment opportunities. Mr. Bradley also had the
opportunity to meet with the Turkish business community over a welcome dinner hosted by the
Executive Director of WAIPA Mr. Carlos Bronzatto.
The main outcome for the general Assembly meeting of WAIPA was to vote for the relocation of the
WAIPA head office from Geneva to Istanbul in Turkey. This initiative was voted for and succeeded
with a majority vote in favor. The new office for WAIPA shall now be based in Istanbul Turkey.
Another key meeting was held with one of the largest Turkish Confederations of Businessmen and
Industrialists better known by its abbreviated name of TUSKON. This meeting was held after the
WAIPA assembly was concluded and took place with about 30 delegates from varying sectors.
Mr. Bradley was very encouraged by the group’s interest in Fiji and presented an overall snap shot of
Fiji and possible investment opportunities. The Asia – Pacific Region Coordinator Mr. Fikri Ungor
then hosted a smaller delegation to one on one discussion with Mr. Bradley. Mr. Bradley also met
with the President Mr. Ersin Karaoglan and Vice President Mr. Mehmet Ali Seker of the Turkish
Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to discuss investment opportunities in Fiji, Mr. Bradley
was also made aware that associates of the Turkish Indian Chamber of Commerce had already
applied for investment opportunities in Fiji and that the chamber looked forward to developing
opportunities between both Turkey and the Turkish community from Australia with Fiji.
Investment
2014 Westpac Prime
Minister's Exporter of
the Year Awards
The Minister for Industry and Trade Launches the 2014 Westpac Prime Minister's
Exporter of the Year Awards.
Investment Fiji has begun preparations for the 2014 Westpac Prime Minister’s Exporter of the Year
Awards with the Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum launching the
prestigious event on 24th June 2014 at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Once again Investment Fiji would like to thank the major sponsor Westpac Banking
Corporation for coming on board again this year and securing the sole naming rights to
the Event together with other category awards sponsors who have renewed their
interest in supporting our exporters. In addition, this year we have an award for you and a big
vinaka vakalevu to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for coming on board to sponsor this
category.
The Event will be calling for applications in the following Award Categories:
CONTACT
INFORMATION
POSTAL
P O Box 2303,
Government
Buildings,
Suva, Fiji.
------------------------------------
PHONE
(+679) 3315 988
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FAX
(+679) 3301 783
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EMAIL
info@investment ji. org.fj
---------------------------------
WEBSITE
www.investment ji. org.fj
Main Category: 2014 Westpac Prime Minister's Exporter of the Year Award Ppresented to a
Company with outstanding export results, excellent corporate social responsibility, creative
techniques and innovative ideas which has impacted trade and development in Fiji.
General Award Category
Bank of Baroda Small Exporter of the Year Award - This Award is presented to a Company
with foreign exchange earnings of up to F$1 millionover the last financial year.
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LICI) Medium Exporter of the Year Award - Presented to
a company with foreign exchange earnings between F$1 million – F$2 million over the last
financial year.
Home Finance Company Ltd (HFC) Large Exporter of the Year Award
- Presented to a company with foreign exchange earnings over F$2 million over the last financial
year.
Special Award Category
Technix Bitumen Pacific Ltd Emerging Exporter of the Year Award - Presented to the company
that has developed a niche market through creativity; and developed uniqueness in quality,
presentation and repertoire within a short period (3 years) after the introduction of the product in
the market.
Bank South Pacific (BSP) Import Substitution Award - - Presented to a company that places
great emphasis on product development and has a drive to create analogues of imported products
using locally obtainable raw materials. The company has to demonstrate at least 20% reduction of
their total import bill and 20% increase in the utilization of locally available raw materials for the
last financial year.
Ministry of Youth & Sports Youth Entrepreneur Award - Presented to company owned by a
youth entrepreneur between the ages of 15 – 35 years and recognizes the contribution made by
young enterprises to the local economy. It is presented to the youth that has excelled in Fiji
business environment and has made an impact on the Fijian economy at a young age.
Sector Based Award Category
Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award - Presented to a Company
with overall excellence in exporting agricultural products.
Hangton Pacific Company Ltd Fisheries Exporter of the Year Award - Presented to a Company
with overall excellence in exporting fisheries products in any form.
Golden Manufacturers Ltd Manufacturing Exporter of the Year Award - Presented to a
Company which demonstrates overall excellence in the manufacturing of exportable products.
Tropik Wood Industries Limited Forestry Exporter of the Year Award - Presented to a
Company with overall excellence in exporting forestry (wood) based products in any form.
Telecom (Fiji) Ltd Information Communications Technology (ICT) Services Award Presented to a Company with overall excellence in exporting Information Communications
Technology (ICT) Services.
Download application forms from website: www.investmentfiji.org.fj/eya2014 or contact
Investment Fiji on 3315 988.