By SHALENDRA PRASAD
Members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) are optimistic of establishing a mutual relationship with like-minded businesses and institutions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the timely appointment of Nadi lawyer Faizal Koya as Fiji’s new ambassador to the business hub of the Arab world.
This latest optimism of exploring the potential of doing business with the Arab world has emerged following a fruitful lunch meeting with His Excellency Faizal Koya and members of NCCI in Nadi this week.
Mr Koya who will be soon taking up his first overseas posting as a diplomat in Abu Dhabi has assured members of the NCCI of his full support in promoting Nadi and Fiji as a whole in various areas of interest.
As a true son of Fiji, Mr Koya is looking forward to a fruitful term as the country’s ambassador to the UAE. He will be also representing Fiji as the non-resident ambassador to other neighbouring Arab countries.
NCCI president Dr Ram Raju says the chamber is optimistic of the great potential in developing three key areas – export, sports and tourism.
“Many people in Fiji may not be aware but our very own pharmaceutical manufacturer – Douglas Pharmaceuticals is already exporting a lot of their products to the UAE,” Dr Raju said.
He said this segment of the market could be further developed with the export of organically produced herbal and health enhancement products as well.
“Fiji is renowned for the production of Noni products such as juice, soap, tablets and so on and there is great potential in this segment,” Dr Raju said.
“The UAE is well aware of our Rugby Sevens prowess that keeps putting Fiji on the world map and the presence of Dubai in the IRB Sevens Circuit paves the way for yet another area of collaboration between the two countries.
“Everyone knows Nadi’s potential in accommodating tens of thousands of visitors and players for international events and we can attract all forms of international sports as well as entertainment events.”
Dr Raju said international conventions are another potential growth area and all that is needed is the development of a “Super Multipurpose Stadium”.
“We can source expertise and financial grants from the UAE for this purpose. It can significantly boost our economy.
“Tourism potential may not be too attractive at this stage to this part of the world as Arabs are often high-end travelers given their wealth and influence.
“They often seek six or seven star hotels to stay at and Fiji lacks facilities in that range apart from a few like Laucala, Yasawa Island Resort and Kokomo but this is an area of potential that can be further looked into. Distance is another factor to be considered.
“It was very encouraging to meet Mr Faizal Koya who plans to make submissions for the matters discussed above once he settles down in his new role.
“Mr Koya will also represent Fiji as the non-resident ambassador to nearby countries in the Middle East namely Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Morocco,” Dr Raju said.
ENDS…
For more information, please contact NCCI President Dr Ram Raju dsmnadi@gmail.com | +679 9920444 | www.nadichamber.com.fj
