NCCI president Lawrence Kumar with Canada’s Secretary of State Honourable Randeep Sarai and Canadian High Commissioner to Fiji Her Excellency Dr Jennifer Lalonde.

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

Board members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCI) had the absolute pleasure of meeting Canada’s secretary of state for international development Honorable Randeep Sarai on Wednesday evening.

The NCCI delegation which was led by president Lawrence Kumar had the opportunity to interact with the high ranking official on his official visit to Fiji whereby Honorable Randeep Sarai took the opportunity to discuss Canada’s foreign policy priorities including diversifying trade and investment opportunities, share development priorities and leveraging international assistance to enhance economic growth partnerships.

The special business reception was hosted by Investment Fiji at the Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, Wailoaloa, Nadi.

Mr Sarai’s visit to Fiji, marks an important milestone in the long-standing engagement of Canada in the region, strong people to people ties and continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Canada and Fiji.

“We had the pleasure of meeting Honorable Randeep Sarai together with other guests and it was a truly great networking event,” NCCI president Lawrence Kumar said.

He said such collaborations play a vital role in the promotion of economic activities and creation of jobs as well.

Mr Kumar said the meeting has also laid a great platform for NCCI members to interact with the members of the Fiji Canada Business Council to further enhance their mutual interests in the areas of trade and commerce.

Meanwhile, Mr Kumar also acknowledged the opening of the High Commission of Canada in Fiji, adding that it was a process long overdue.

“It is great relief to learn that there is now a fully-fledged High Commission of Canada based in Suva and this will definitely make it so easy for our people to visit Canada and even do business in that part of the world,” Mr Kumar added.

He said the move could also trigger a surge in Canadian visitors to our shores and vice-versa.

“I take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank and congratulate Her Excellency Dr Jennifer Lalonde on her appointment as the Canadian High Commissioner to Fiji.

ENDS..