George Goundar last night commended Government’s initiative in getting potential investors and especially Fijians to return and invest in Fiji.

The Goundar Shipping managing director made this comment during the commissioning of the third vessel to his shipping fleet, the Lomaiviti Princess III by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama at Port Mua-i-walu, Walu Bay, Suva.

Mr Goundar is among the many Fijians who had migrated and came back to Fiji to invest, in his case providing inter-island shipping services.

“I would like to first thank the Prime Minister for his faith and support in paving the way for me returning as an investor to this country. We enjoy the good business environment and the incentives by your Government,” Mr Goundar said.

“At this point in the history of this nation, my history did not matter. My sense of gratitude goes to this Government in making me feel that I am a Fijian and I belong to this great country.”

The Lomaiviti Princess III has a capacity of 700 passengers, 40 ten-wheeler trucks and 150 cars.

Mr Bainimarama said Mr Goundar’s story was a true example of the new direction that Fiji was taking and the vision that drove his Government’s decision.

“He placed his confidence in my Government and in our policies, and the ability of our people to move Fiji forward towards greater stability and prosperity,” Mr Bainimarama said.

He also said the new ship was more than just a ship. He said it was part of our national communication network.

“Last week I was in the North, and I had the pleasure of inaugurating the new highway extension linking Nabouwalu to Dreketi. It is part of a highway that winds through the very heart of Vanua Levu, and it is critical to the economy and social well-being of the island,” he said.

“And the Nabouwalu Jetty is one of its most important points. When this ship docks at the Nabouwalu Jetty, it will effectively extend that highway directly to Viti Levu.”

Employment and routes
The new ship will provide employment to at least 40 crews. The new vessel will be servicing the Natovi- Nabouwalu route. It will be for the first time also service islanders in Kadavu.

Plans
Mr Bainimarama last night announced that Goundar Shipping would be investing $10 million in the next three years to purchase two more ships and construct a 5000 tonne floating dock.

“It will give us space for even larger ships and allow us to build our shipping industry into a modern and efficient operation that will bring greater development and growth to our island economy,” he said.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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