Fiji Trade and Investment Symposium kicks off today at the Inter Continental Hotel in Sydney, Australia, with the theme: “Build Fiji into your Business Growth Strategy”.

The key note address will be delivered by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Fiji Consul General and Trade Commissioner to Australia, Zarak Khan, said the purpose of the symposium is to encourage Australian investors to consider Fiji as a viable investment destination in the ICT, tourism and agriculture sectors.

This, he said, will also urge more Australians businesses to source Fijian made products for Australian consumers.

The welcome remarks would be by Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya.

There will also be valuable participants at the symposium to listen to and network with senior executives from key Fijian Government agencies as well as the private sector.

The symposium will also have two renowned Australian business people, Lang Walker of the Walker Corporation and Robert Cromb of Kookai Australia providing insights into their incredible journey in Fiji.

The speakers at the symposium include

Mesh and Bar Pty Ltd director Daksesh Patel will be speaking on “Strengthening the Fiji­ Australia economic partnership: Perspectives from one of the largest Fijian investors in Australia”.

The Ginger People – founders Bruce and Abbie Leeson – success story of The Ginger People including opportunities to grow agricultural trade in Fiji.

Reserve Bank of Fiji chief manager financial markets Esala Masitabua will highlight on the overview of the Fijian economy and growth prospects.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority will update on investment incentives and the fiscal and regulatory environment in Fiji.

Investment Fiji, chief executive Godo Muller­Teut will talk on investment approvals process and opportunities in the Tourism, ICT and agriculture sectors.

ANZ Fiji acting chief executive, Saud Abdul Minam will share ANZ’s experience of setting up a business process.

Vodafone Fiji, chief executive Pradeep Lal will elaborate on Fiji’s ICT capabilities and investment in innovation and infrastructure.

Telecom Fiji Limited general manager Charles Goundar will highlight on the role of TFL, communications and fibre­optic network availability in Fiji.

Mindpearl Limited commercial director Asia Pacific, Mark Mahoney will present on Fiji’s largest 24/7 call centre and BPO operation serving 14 clients globally.

The concluding remarks and way forward would be by Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism Shaheen Ali.

EditeD by: RACHNA LAL