31 March 2022: Building on the success of Fiji’s participation at Expo 2020, Dubai, the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Hon. Faiyaz Koya, held meetings with key businesses, including the Markaz Group, Saudi Fund for Development, OYO Group and the Elite Agro LLC, as part of the Annual Investment Meeting being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Minister held discussions with the Markaz Group, which is a Kuwait based company, in areas such as asset management, investment banking, real estate management, to name a few.
“The Markaz Group has shown interest in agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals, minerals, and infrastructure development and they want to bring to Fiji a scoping mission”, said the Minister.
Discussions were also held with the OYO Group, who specialise in empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in the areas of tourist accommodations. With the Fijian tourism industry on track to recovery, the meeting focused on leveraging technology to increase competitiveness and efficiency in the hospitality sector.
Whilst meeting in the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), a Government agency that finances development projects, Fiji’s climate leadership and sustainable development aspirations were highlighted. This includes strengthening partnership with the Fijian Government on projects related to climate change, clean energy, and resilient infrastructure. The SFD is also a co-financier of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which has contributed to many on-going developments in the Pacific.
“Further discussions will be held with SFD together with the Ministry of Economy on the key areas of development needs”, said Minister Koya.
The Minister concluded the meetings with Elite Agro LLC, a leading agriculture company with large-scale integrated farming operations engaged in growing, sourcing, importing and marketing agro-products.
“During the meeting, we highlighted the strategic position Fiji provides, as a hub of the region, to Elite Agro, in terms of growing their position in the Southern Hemisphere”, said the Minister.
“These platforms provide great opportunities to market Fiji and Fijian made brands in this part of the world. And there are opportunities in investments, joint ventures, public private partnerships and tourism,” said Hon. Koya.
“Being here in Dubai, and at Expo 2020, has paved the way for several possibilities for businesses of all sizes to network, co-create and diversify to smart, sustainable and resilient businesses. And we’re glad we’re here to be a part of it,” he added.
“These investments have the potential to further strengthen Fiji’s position as a regional hub, introduce new technology and ideas and create jobs for Fijians. Investment Fiji will provide the companies additional information on the incentives and information of the best suited areas for investment in their fields of interest”, said the Minister.
The Minister is currently in Dubai, attending the culmination of the Expo 2020 Dubai and related investment events in collaboration with Investment Fiji.