Fiji-born Canadians give back to homeland

Fiji-born Canadians, who have found success abroad are now looking to invest back in their motherland, with the new High Commission opening doors for business and charitable work.

Neal Chaudhary, who is originally from Suva, and is Red Pill Land chief executive officer met with Investment Fiji this week and plans to open an office in the country.

“I’m hoping the High Commission can help me navigate who to talk to, open up some doors for me, and if there’s any way to cut any red tape, that would be much appreciated,” Mr Chaudhary said.

He left Fiji at age two and has not been back since he was 18, calling the country “more beautiful than what I thought”.

The Fiji-Canadian community has been advocating for a High Commission in Fiji for 15 years.

Fiji Islamic Society of Canada president Aseem Khan said he wants Fijians to travel to Canada. 

“We want Fijians to invest in Canada, and vice versa, we want Canadians to invest in Fiji,” Mr Khan said.

His organisation is fundraising to build a mortuary at the Rakiraki Hospital, with the project launching February 1.

Ryan Rao, who runs Smiling Stars Charity Foundation, supports two orphanages in Ba and has renovated churches and schools while providing care for senior citizens.

“We want to help out the unfortunate kids in Fiji, the unfortunate people. And that’s our goal and mission,” Mr Rao said.

The community leaders said the High Commission would make visa processing easier, particularly for urgent family matters like funerals, and create opportunities for student exchanges and business investment.

“If you work hard, there’s no hardship,” Mr Khan said, noting that successful Fijians in Canada were now giving back to their homeland