A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Fiji and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that commits to the establishment of the first UAE-Fiji Joint Business Council that is anticipated to identify and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.
Deputy prime minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica said the signing of the “groundbreaking MoU” heralded a new era of deeper collaboration between the UAE and Fiji through private sector collaboration.
“We hope to see more investment and trade opportunities develop out of the formation of the UFJBC in the years to come,” Mr Kamikamica said.
Investment Fiji CEO Kamal Chetty said the MoU signing and the establishment of the UFJBC would strengthen the economic ties between Fiji and the UAE.
“This partnership will create new opportunities for Fijian businesses to expand their reach into the UAE market, while also attracting much-needed investment to Fiji,” Mr Chetty said.
Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) chief executive officer Edward Bernard said the establishment of the UFJBC would also allow for the facilitation of private sector-led initiatives relating to trade, investment and services in key industrial sectors in the two countries.
He said they looked forward to working closely with the Government and Investment Fiji, through the UFJBC, to foster a mutually beneficial relationship that would drive growth and prosperity for both countries.
He acknowledged the Ministry of Trade, Investment Fiji, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Fiji mission in the UAE for facilitating discussions and the MoU signing.
The MoU was signed by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Federation of United Arab Emirates Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai.
Mr Kamikamica, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Alia Al Mazroei and Fiji’s ambassador to the UAE Faizal Koya witnessed the signing.
