A team from Aitken Spence PLC, a prominent Sri Lankan conglomerate, through its subsidiary Elpitiya Plantations’ explored potential business ventures within the agricultural sector during their recent visit to Fiji.

The four-day visit by the Aitken Spence team which is a testament to the company’s dedication to leveraging its extensive expertise in agriculture to foster new business ventures in Fiji was arranged through the support of Investment Fiji, the Commercial Agriculture Taskforce, Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises and Communications, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.

During their stay, the Aitken Spence delegation engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Government ministries, food processing facilities, distributors, and local farmers.

Aitken Spence PLC Board Director Dr. Rohan Fernando stated these interactions provided critical insights and facilitated meaningful discussions aimed at identifying and developing viable agricultural opportunities in Fiji.

“Fiji presents a wealth of opportunities for commercial farming, particularly in sectors such as papaya, pineapples, dragon fruits, berries, coffee, tea, mangoes, cinnamon, lime, and passion fruit. Our approach is comprehensive, encompassing everything from innovative farming practices to advanced processing techniques, with a strategic focus on both local consumption and export markets,” mentioned Dr. Rohan Fernando.

The visit included productive site inspections and meetings with various local stakeholders. Notable engagements included discussions with Nature’s Way Cooperative and Jack’s Mango Farm, where potential opportunities for mango and strawberry cultivation were explored.

Additionally, meetings with Ranadi Plantation and Bula Coffee opened avenues for future partnerships in plantation agriculture and coffee cultivation.

Aitken Spence’s commitment to introducing cutting-edge agricultural technologies and exploring renewable energy solutions is expected to significantly enhance Fiji’s agricultural productivity and sustainability.

“The fruitful engagement with Aitken Spence aligns seamlessly with our vision for sustainable economic growth. We are excited about the potential benefits this partnership will bring to Fiji’s agricultural sector and the broader economy,” highlighted Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty.

Investment Fiji played acritical role in facilitating the visit, offering insights into Fiji’s investment climate, connecting Aitken Spence with local partners, and providing guidance on regulatory and economic aspects.

Aitken Spence now prepares for subsequent visits to conduct a more detailed analysis. The anticipated investment in Fijiis expected to reduce Fiji’s reliance on imported agricultural products and open new export markets.