Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Japanese investors can take advantage of the benefits of reforms in Fiji to invest here.

Speaking to business leaders of Tohoku and Sendai in Japan yesterday, he gave a summary of some of the benefits of the reform programmes that have transformed Fiji’s investment climate.

Mr Bainimarama said, “All these improvements mean that Fiji is not only open for business. There has never been a better time to do business in Fiji.

“And I invite you all to avail yourselves of the assistance we are providing and check out these opportunities.

“Fiji currently enjoys Japanese investments in tourism, fishing, mining, forestry and education services. Sectors where there are further opportunities include light manufacturing, medical services [medical tourism], agro-business processing, fisheries [including aquaculture], horticulture – including flowers for export – to name but a few.

“I would also like to invite you as individuals to visit Fiji – whether you have done so before or have yet to enjoy the Fijian experience – our pristine Pacific environment and a host of attractions. And especially the unique interaction with the Fijian people.

“I always say there are plenty of other places where you can find a beach and a cold drink. I know many Japanese go to Guam. But there is nowhere that has the unique attraction of the Fijian people – renowned the world over for their friendliness and hospitality.”

The new tourism slogan summed it all up – “Fiji. Where happiness Finds You”. He urged all to find their own happiness in Fiji.

“Just as I want Prime Minister Abe to find happiness when we eventually have the privilege of hosting him.”

Among officials present were Kenya Akiba MP, consul-general of Fiji in Tohoku, Takayuki Moriya and his wife, Keiichi Hashimoto, chairman of Tohoku Sendai Fiji Economic and Cultural Exchange Association and senior business representatives of companies in Sendai.

“Fijians have always had a wonderful relationship with the Japanese people.

“And while the Japanese government has had its differences with ours in recent years, nothing has altered the warmth of our relationships at a personal level,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“We seek a relationship that is more open and more direct. And I’m very pleased to say that we are now laying the groundwork for such a relationship, based on the principle of mutual understanding and respect,” Mr Bainimarama said.

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