Hon. Ministers and Excellencies,
Heads of Delegation,
Distinguished Presenters and Panelists,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka from Fiji!
It is my pleasure to join you all this afternoon in the commemoration of the 2nd Pacific Exposition.
I would like to commend the collaborative efforts of the Government of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, in organising this event. Which, of course, comes against the backdrop of the global pandemic – a common foe to us all.
Such regional expositions offer Pacific businesses a link to participate and promote their products and services to potential customers within and outside our region.
This Platform will fittingly touch on the diverse resources of participating nations, enhance business opportunities, whether as multinational cooperation or a MSME. This is an opportunity for Nations to exhibit what they do best in the areas of trade, investment, tourism and culture.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
International trade and foreign direct investment will continue to play a major role in shaping the Pacific’s economic development. This is especially true in considering not all economies share a balanced recovery.
For smaller developing states — such as those within the bounds of the Pacific — recovery lays on the hinges of restoration of tourism and cross–border trade, amongst other narrow range of sectors.
Herein lies the opportunity. Opportunities to create enabling conditions for businesses to trade and to thrive.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m proud to share, after months of uncertainty and preparation, Fiji is on the cusp of recovery.
As a nation, we have endured. Over a span of two years, Fiji was a safe, COVID free haven AND amongst those with the highest cases.
Today, we have over 80% of our national eligible population vaccinated and are now ready to open our borders to the world on the 1st of December 2021.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have seized this opportunity to come back in a much more resilient and sustainable way.
We have engineered towards reforming our business climate so we are ready to welcome back investors, traders and businesses, to do business in the hub of the Pacific.
In the past two years, we have streamlined business procedures, undertaken legislative reforms and adapted to digitalisation.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The inaugural Pacific Exposition held in 2019, was appropriately themed “Creating a Pacific Momentum”. It launched the platform for us to have a Pacific moment each year.
And this year’s theme is even more aptly chosen – “it’s time for the Pacific”. It is indeed time for the Pacific. It’s time the Pacific joined efforts and strengthened our fraternity.
Today, I’m delighted to announce that together with Government participation, there are 15 Fijian Companies from various sectors participating in this event.
The knowledge, contacts and business deals that will be created over these four days, will not only add to national economic recovery, but will play an eminent role in the collective growth and development of the Pacific.
With these words, I wish you all success in your participation during this Expo.