The Canadian Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, will be arriving in the country today for his official visit, and opening the Canadian High Commission in Fiji on Friday.
The High Commission will be located at 47 Gladstone Rd in Suva.
As part of his official engagement Mr Sarai is expected to meet business leaders in Nadi this afternoon for a networking event hosted by Investment Fiji.
“Secretary of State 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,” Investment Fiji stated.
“This gathering will serve as an 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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Fiji has been working closely with the Canadian counterparts in establishing a new Canadian High Commission in Fiji and the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which marks a new era in strengthening our diplomatic relations with one of the world’s largest economies.
The expanded diplomatic ties will bolster opportunities for cooperation in economic development, trade and tourism, climate change resilience, people-to-people links, and diaspora engagements.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy will support Fiji by establishing its first international assistance program for the Pacific Islands region.
The new program will build on Canada’s current development initiatives in the region, including projects such as The Kiwa Initiative – Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience, Pacific Islands Markets for Change, Support to the Climate Finance Access Network and Strengthening Small-scale Fisheries.
Since 2012, the Canada Fund for local initiatives has supported 39 development projects in Fiji.
Bilateral talks between Fiji and Canada over the years have focused on increasing trade and tourism through strengthened air connectivity via Fiji and Canada direct flights and visa accessibility.
The establishment of Canada’s resident High Commission in Fiji will increase its engagement in the Pacific Islands.
