By SHALENDRA PRASAD
The appointment of Parmesh Chand as Fiji’s next Ambassador to Japan will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two great nations, says Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) president Dr Ram Raju.
Mr Chand who is currently the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Civil Service succeeds Ambassador Filimoni Waqabaca who returns to the country to take up the post of chief executive officer at Fiji Development Bank (FDB).
“Fiji and Japan had established an official relationship way back in 1970 and the two nations have enjoyed a cordial relationship and substantial trade between each other ever since,” Dr Raju said.
“With the appointment of Parmesh Chand as the next Ambassador to Japan, I can foresee further cooperation between the two nations at greater levels including trade, tourism, human resources development and aid,” Dr Raju said.
Dr Raju believes that Japan has a lot to offer to Fiji as an economic powerhouse of the world while Fiji also has its own unique capabilities to offer many products and services to Japan.
“I commend the Japanese government for offering different categories of scholarships for our students every year and for their continued assistance during national disasters.
“The contribution of Japanese volunteers who come under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) arrangement is also highly appreciated and it has made a positive impact in many government and civil sectors so far.
“JICA’s most proactive and most important contribution has been towards Nadi’s flooding disasters and through their expert studies they have provided various solutions and ideas to mitigate against this natural disaster,” Dr Raju said.
Dr Raju said in return, Fiji is also offering great educational service to Japanese students who are staying here to study English and other related subjects at the various educational institutions available in the country.
“I am adamant that Mr Chand during his term as Ambassador will further strengthen this area while also strongly promoting our niche products to the sensitive Japanese market like spices, noni products, pearls and other custom jewelry, fish, agricultural products and much more.
“Our first business forum of the year is being organised and we would love to invite Parmesh to meet our members before he takes up his new role in Japan.
“I also take this opportunity to congratulate Filimoni on his new and challenging role at FDB and am adamant that he will steer the bank towards greater prosperity which will result in further economic development of Fiji.”
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