A company in the Northern Division has been praised for promoting the Fijian Government’s ‘Look North Policy’ through its investment.

Minister for Forests Osea Naiqamu acknowledged Pinto Industries Limited managing director, Vishal Narayan, and director Shirley Narayan, for contributing towards the development of the northern economy.

During his visit to the company’s sawmill and timber processing factories at Namara and Vakamaisuasua Subdivision in Labasa on Wednesday, he said: “I must congratulate and thank you for your dedication and commitment.

“You have participated well in transforming and expanding your company. You have made use of the Look North Policy.

“You are true sons of the North and displayed what is required by the Government. Keep up the hard work.”

Mrs Narayan then explained the company’s portfolio and services.

She said their processing factory has been part of their manufacturing business since its inception in 1982 and their main product back then was wooden brushes.

“We then expanded our production lines into plastic, plastic moulding, juice and soft drinks, juice bottle, mop, roofing iron and other materials, pharmaceutical bottles, concrete blocks and sawmill,” Mrs Narayan said.

“We also moved into the construction business to diversify our business lines.”

She said they then designed a small sawmill concept to assist the company meet the increasing demand for its timber processing factory.

The sawmills the minister visited has been in operation since its licence was issued in September 2017.

“We have been purchasing native logs, pine and mahogany from our local licensed logging contractors and we are satisfied with the progress to date,” she told Mr Naiqamu.

“We have secured four lots of state leases which were severely affected by the effects of climate change.

“We are now utilising the affected land for industrial purposes to create employment, utilise our local resources and generate income for families, business and the nation as well.

“We have learned a lot in the past 35 years of our existence and we strongly believe that we can contribute more to our Look North Policy and build our blessed country of Fiji.”

The company produces more than 400 items and employs 200 people working in their respective nine factories in Labasa.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback: shratika.naidu@fijisun.com.fj