THE Northern Division is entering a new phase of economic development with more than $120million in investment projects either underway or planned.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica said for a long time, other major towns and cities in Viti Levu had continued to thrive but that was about to change as Labasa was witnessing a new era marked by unprecedented developments.
He said the North had often been left out of national conversations but was now emerging as a dynamic, self-reliant and strategic region.
“I would hasten to say that Vanua Levu is the next economic frontier for Fiji,” Mr Kamikamica said.
He said more than 12 projects were currently in progress or being planned in Labasa and surrounding areas.
These include hotels, commercial centres, and infrastructure projects, with a combined value of more than $120m.
One key project is a new hotel and apartment complex, which will offer 40 high-quality rooms aimed at boosting tourism and business travel.
Another major development is the Vinod Patel commercial complex, expected to create long-term jobs and expand retail options in the North.
Vision Investments is also building Courts Mega Labasa, a modern retail center expected to open early next year.
He said investment was not limited to buildings but includes infrastructure and logistics.
“There are several ambitious proposals still at the conceptual stage, including a large commercial complex by RB Patel Ltd in Wailevu, which is expected to ease congestion in town.”
He said those projects showed strong confidence in Labasa’s long-term potential and in the North as a whole.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 16, 2025
