Fiji’s trade and investment flows from Hong Kong are set to further accelerate.

In this endeavour, the Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism Shaheen Ali met with the members of Fiji-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, on December 30, 2017.

Mr Ali said: “The meeting with the Hong Kong-Fiji Chamber of Commerce was to progress trade and investment through further efforts and initiatives by the Ministry and the Chamber.

“Building on earlier trade missions, niche product, such as Fijian beer and water have been introduced in the Hong Kong market, whilst a Hong Kong based investor opened a noni tea factory in Suva recently.”

“There are more plans to promote Fijian made products in the Hong Kong, during the 2018 Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

“There will be a display of high-end niche Fijian made products that at the tournament, amongst other things,” added the Permanent Secretary.

“Having a recognised Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, provides leverage to marketing Fiji and Fijian made products in the region. The members of the Chamber outlined some of the projects that they see potential for, in Fiji.

“The discussions also looked at the potential of scholarships for Fijian students to study in Hong Kong,” said the Permanent Secretary.

During the five-day mission, the Permanent Secretary together with the Trade Commissioner/Consul-General and officials met with Chinese businesses that are interested in doing business in Fiji.

About Power China

These included, big names such as Alibaba Group, Power China, Sinohydro Bureau 12 Co., Ltd.

“Power China, is a construction company that will is undertaking the construction of Wyndham Silkroad Ark Hotel in Coral Coast, which is an estimated $500 million project,” Mr Ali said.

“Power China also specialises in construction of infrastructure in all areas, including roads, dams, bridges, ports, energy generation plants (Hydro/thermal/solar) and reservoir projects. In this regard, Power China has shown interest in investing in Fiji.”,

In addition to bilateral meetings and events, the Fijian delegation also visited the Shanghai Tax Free Zone.

The tax free zone is a designated area where approved products are traded duty free. The delegation visited the Australian Pavilion, where Australian made products were displayed and sold duty free.

“We are exploring the option of having a pavilion at the Shanghai Tax Free Zone.

However, Fiji has been offered to set up a Fijian Made Pavilion in Quzhou in Zhenjiang Province near Shanghai, from May to October 2018.

“This will be a lead up to the Shanghai International Import Expo to be held from November 5 to 8, 2018.

“The Trade Commission met the Vice Mayor and other senior officials of Quzhou two weeks ago to initiate the discussions.” said Mr Ali.

Mr Ali was also invited as the chief guest to the opening of the “Jiaozi in the spotlight”, a dumpling Restaurant, in the Paris Spring shopping mall in Shanghai.

They will be opening up to 22 restaurants throughout China by 2018 and are scoping investment potential in Fiji in 2019.   

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