The forthcoming establishment of Canada’s inaugural embassy in the Pacific Islands, set to be situated in Fiji, is a testament to the growing diplomatic ties between the two nations, stated Brampton East Ontario Member of Parliament Maninder Sidhu.

 During a community event in Ontario as part of the Fiji North-America Business Mission, Sidhu highlighted the deepening collaboration between Canada and Fiji.

 “In fact, the bond between Fiji and Canada has flourished over more than half a century of diplomatic relations,” mentioned MP Sidhu.

 “The Indo Pacific strategy deepens and diversifies Canada's partnership and enhances the country’s trade investment and supply chain resilience with a world's fastest growing region.”

 "Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, we aim to enhance trade, investment, and supply chain resilience in one of the world's fastest-growing regions, fostering shared prosperity, security, and sustainability," he further added.

 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Hon. Manoa Kamikamica emphasized the shared economic expansion goals of both governments during the mission. He outlined the objectives of reconnecting with the diaspora community and fostering investment and trade partnerships.

 “We initiated this Business Mission last week in Surrey, Canada and had an Investment Forum there. Then we crossed over very quickly to San Francisco for a similar mission and now we are back in Ontario today. Essentially, our presence here is driven by two primary objectives. Firstly, to re-establish ties with our diaspora community as we rebuild Fiji. Secondly, this serves as an investment and trade mission, aiming to forge direct connections on the ground and try to do business together,” elaborated the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Kamikamica.

 Highlighting significant investment opportunities, Hon. Kamikamica mentioned Google's plans to establish a subsea cable in Fiji.

“Google is looking at building a subsea cable. When you say Google, you are talking about the premier tech company globally, therefore, for a company of such stature to invest in Fiji, is a huge achievement in our investment profile,” he added.

 He also discussed advancements in the agriculture sector and the collaboration with Fiji Water to unlock the country's agricultural potential.

“When we were in the United States of America, the Fiji Water which is an Agri powerhouse in America has expressed that they will be working with the Fijian government to try and unlock the potential in Fiji. So, these are the types of things that are happening in your country. We are very excited and motivated by a lot of these things.   And we hope to attract some of you back home to participate in the development of some of these opportunities.”

 Despite existing challenges, Hon. Kamikamica emphasized the Government's commitment to economic growth as a means to address infrastructure and healthcare issues.

 “There is no secret that there are some challenges, we do have some infrastructure issues. We have some hospital issues but like I said, the Government is focused on trying to grow the economy. That is the only way we will actually be able to tackle these issues,” explained Hon. Kamikamica.

Expressing gratitude, the Fiji Association of Ontario acknowledged the Fiji Government's efforts in meeting with the community and providing investment insights.

 Association President Chandra Prakash Maharaj highlighted the association's contributions to Fiji, including educational scholarships and support during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “Since 2012, the Association has facilitated tertiary education scholarships for 16 youths in Fiji, which demonstrates our commitment to educational advancement. In the past, we provided assistance to Fiji residents during catastrophic events such as Tropical Cyclone Winston, Tropical Cyclone Yasa, and amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently we contributed to the Sai Prema Foundation in Fiji to support urgent, life-saving cardiac surgeries for children,” stated Maharaj.

 The Fiji delegation is set to participate in a Business Forum in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Fiji North-America Business Mission, organized by Investment Fiji and the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications.

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