THE Labasa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 kicks off today in Labasa, with the aim of tapping into new export and investment opportunities for Vanua Levu’s agribusiness sector.
With the theme “Creating Agribusiness Opportunities in Vanua Levu”, the summit, organised by the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries with the support of Investment Fiji, will bring together key stakeholders from across government, business, agriculture and finance to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the agribusiness sectors.
“This year’s focus is on future sustainability of the Northern economy,” Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Vinesh Dayal said.
“With the decline in sugar, we need to collaborate in promoting agriculture not only for trade but our own food security.”
“Why the Chamber? There is no business without sugar or agriculture and anything that happens out in the rural areas has a direct impact on the businesses in town so we have to be involved,” he added.
The Summit aims to highlight and unlock new agribusiness opportunities in high-value agricultural products, while strengthening business linkages and investment potential in Vanua Levu.
Investment Fiji chief executive officer Kamal Chetty said the summit is also a platform for businesses to explore investment and expansion pathways as well as export opportunities.
“Vanua Levu holds immense potential for agribusiness and through targeted investments, capacity building as well as innovation, we can help entrepreneurs and farmers turn this potential into sustainable business,” he said.
“This summit is expected to serve as a catalyst for collaboration, capacity building and investment growth in Vanua Levu’s agribusiness sector, contributing to regional development and advancing Fiji’s broader economic goals.”
“Investment in agribusiness here is not just about focusing on farms, but shifting our attention to building a value chain, creating jobs and enabling export-led growth that benefits entire communities,” he added.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 14, 2025
