Fiji’s total exports from January to May this year was more than $751 million.

Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya confirmed this on Friday at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

The one-day seminar on Fijian Exports and Imports organised by Investment Fiji, included Government departments and other relevant agencies.

“Our major export commodities during this period have been mineral water, fish, gold, garments and fruits and vegetables,” Mr Koya said.

“The United States remain our largest export market, with a value of more than $28 million followed by United Kingdom, Australia, China and New Zealand,” he said.

It was also stated by Mr Koya that from January to May, Fiji’s imports have hovered around $1.9 billion.

“Our major import commodity has been mineral products, followed by machinery, mechanical and electrical appliances, vehicles, parts and accessories, base metals and chemical products,” he said.

Mr Koya said, that from January to July this year the tourism industry recorded a 5.1 per cent growth.

“For the first time ever, in July this year, visitor arrivals into Fiji has exceeded the 90 thousand mark for a given month — this is unprecedented. This has set us on the path and paved the way for yet another record breaking year in terms of visitor arrivals,” he said.

Investment Fiji chief executive officer Godo Muller-Teut said the seminar was not only to network with each other, but for Government departments and various agencies to be updated on the reforms under a view of improving the ease of doing business in Fiji.

“Investment Fiji is closely working with domestic and foreign investors, entrepreneurs, business houses and exporters on After-Care support services to maximise the long-term benefits from investment and develop a competitive advantage of Fiji by improving customer experiences and creating a platform that is expanding short and long-term productivity,” Mr Muller-Teut said.

It was further stated by Mr Muller-Teut that they were fostering better understanding and collaboration between their investors, both locally and foreign, their exporters, Government ministries and departments and relevant approval agencies.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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