PM urges investors to look beyond Fiji's major cities

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged local and international investors to expand beyond Fiji's major urban centres, saying regional investment is critical to creating jobs, stimulating local economies and delivering more balanced national development.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the $25 million Racecourse Hotels and Apartments Project in Namosau, Ba, on Saturday, Mr Rabuka said developments in regional towns would spread economic opportunities and prosperity to communities outside the country's main cities.

"I encourage other investors, both local and international, to look beyond our major urban centres and recognise the significant opportunities that exist throughout Fiji's towns and provinces," he said.

"Regional investments such as this contribute to more balanced national development while creating employment and prosperity closer to our communities."

Mr Rabuka said the Racecourse Hotels and Apartments Project reflected growing confidence in Fiji's economy and the future of Ba.

"This groundbreaking represents much more than the beginning of a construction project. It reflects confidence in Fiji's future, confidence in our economy and confidence in the people of Ba."

The project is expected to create jobs during construction for engineers, architects, tradespeople, contractors, transport operators and suppliers, while increasing demand for locally produced goods and services.

Developed by 4R Electrical founder and general contractor Rishi Kumar, the project will also create long-term employment in the hospitality, tourism, accommodation, maintenance, security and property management sectors once completed. It is also expected to generate more business for local enterprises through increased visitor spending.

Mr Rabuka said Government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for investment by strengthening policies, improving infrastructure and encouraging greater private sector participation.

He said projects such as the Ba development would support Vision 2050 and Fiji's goal of achieving sustained annual economic growth of about six per cent.

"Confidence attracts further investment; investment creates employment; employment improves livelihoods; and stronger livelihoods build more resilient communities. This virtuous cycle underpins our long-term economic transformation."