Fiji has a prominent and vibrant future, when Fijians like King Anwar Hussain invest in the country.

This was mentioned by the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya while officiating the opening of the Commercial Business Centre at Marina Road, Fantasy Island in Nadi, on Saturday night.

Fantasy Island is developer Abbas Ali’s multi-phase residential, resort, industrial and marina project at Wailoaloa on Nadi Bay.

The $1.5 million business centre is owned by Jet Set Land Developers property developer and chief executive officer, Mr Hussain. He earlier played a lead role as the project co-ordinator of the Fantasy Road Business

Park Development to boost the group’s Business Park and Industry Park harmoniously.

The Minister said the business centre indicated another milestone in real-estate development in Nadi.

He commended Mr Hussain for the achievement.

“Today, five years later, we are here to celebrate another achievement under King Anwar Hussain’s guidance,” Mr Koya said.

“I’ve known Anwar for many years and he has always been an enthusiastic Fijian at heart, and this is highly commendable.”

“Fiji has a prominent and vibrant future, when Fijians like Anwar invest in their country.” Mr Koya said he was told the Commercial Business Park would be a centre of activity for retail and commercial purposes, which would create employment, business activity and wider commercialism.

“It is quite unmistakable that your investment in Nadi is industrious and is a reassurance to other investors, that there is still hope during this time of pandemic.”

The Minister said the investments meant that the Fijian Government was doing something right to keep Fijian investors firmly committed to the country.

“Your confidence in the Fijian economy, even during this time of pandemic, sends out a positive indication to foreign investors.”

“Let me assure you all, that your Government will continue to do whatever it takes to enable business continuity now and in the future. We remain within reach to assist you.”

He said the 2020-2021 National Budget is about rebuilding Fiji again and getting Fijians back to work with a new quality of energy and responsibility.

“The national budget includes several incentives to boost our retail sector such as duties being slashed on 1,600 items, elimination of Service Turnover Tax stamp duty and business licensing. We want to make it effortless for you to do business in Fiji.”

From left: Irish Khan, Bobby Khan, Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya, Altaaf
Jamal, King Anwar Hussain and his son, Faroon Anwar Hussain at Fantasy Island on February 27, 2021.

He said the Government had implemented decisive reforms in the area of starting a business.

“Beginning with digitalisation of the business registration process, bringing tax registration online and now with the removal of business licensing.”

“In addition, we are looking at measures to ensure that the Fijian economy remains resistant.”

“Therefore, under the Regulations of Building Permits Act 2017, a fast-tracked and streamlined approval process for obtaining a construction permit for commercial and industrial purpose has been established, through the Building Permits Evaluation Committee.”

He said over the year, the Government has worked on the digitalisation of building permits application and approvals and starting a business process.

“These are some of the specific policies, provided by the budget, which will allow our economy to recover faster.”

“You, the industry stalwarts, need to capitalise on the initiatives and incentives provided and help create new economic opportunities and jobs for Fijians.”

Kings port at Marina Road, Fantasy Island in Nadi.

Mr Koya added the commitment of domestic investors was vital and necessary to give new strength to the Fijian economy.

Meanwhile, Mr Hussain said the purpose of the business centre is for people to come and socialise and enjoy their evenings with entertainment.

“This is one of the best waterfront locations which is also situated at Fantasy Island. I wanted to create an environment here for people to come and enjoy.”

“It doesn’t matter if they don’t spend any money here but they can just come and enjoy the surroundings here.”

He said the building consists of a bar, restaurants, dance floor, offices, dairy shop, liquor shop and his apartment on the third level.

The business centre opens from Monday to Sunday from 4pm to 10pm.

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