Japan Brings 12 Companies

Japanese investors in Fiji's energy space have listed aviation infrastructure as a their next area of interest.

This as a dozen new Japanese backed businesses prepare to commence operations in Fiji through the backing of five foreign investors.

Endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the initiative marks heightened commercial confidence in the Pacific, and Fiji.

It also comes after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka backed Japan as the only Pacific island economy in the Fukushima dumping last year.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry director general for trade policy and economic cooperation, Komiyama Yasuji said the advantages association with its investment included developing Fiji's human resources sector.

"We have Japanese companies engaging with and transferring knowledge to locals," he said.

"We invite more Japanese businesses to come here.

"We have more start ups correlating to social issues in Japan, and try to increase young starts up going overseas.

Nadi International Airport.

"We invite 12 start ups at this time."

One important area is green transformation like hydrogen, and alot of energy technology, which is a high potential area, because climate change is a big issue here."

The move was change from the traditional investor interest in airports, electricity and infrastructure, he said.

"Japanese companies are positive about expanding overseas to find market, and this region draws alot of attention," he said.

"Mannfacturing is a very strong area for Japan, so if they can, they can build businesses here.

"The more important part is human resources."

"The country decides what kind of mannfacturing you need, which we are open to to help."

Fiji Airports did not respond to queries when this edition went to print.

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