The United Kingdom will support Fiji’s aspiration as a regional trading hub – not only for physical goods but also the knowledge economy, helping to ensure there is rewarding work for all Fiji’s people to meet their aspirations.
British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr Brian James Jones said this while paying a courtesy call to the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday.
“Whether that is providing overnight business services – accounting, human resource, legal services – to companies in the UK, continuing to develop Fiji’s exports of niche, high value agricultural products (such as baby ginger) to Europe, or supporting an ecosystem in Fiji which, enables entrepreneurs, investors, fin-tech companies and programmers to grow,” Dr Jones said.
He also highlighted the UK looks forward to working closely with Mr Rabuka and the Fiji Government in championing issues that matter most to Fiji and the Pacific partners.
“We are working together as part of the international effort to stand with Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion, and working together in the Pacific to counter threats to maritime security. Through the 1500 Fijians, who serve in the British Armed Forces, and Fiji’s own Armed Forces, we will deepen our collaboration as a ‘combined Force for Good’.
“The UK will be Fiji’s closest friend and staunchest ally in the multilateral financial institutions (World Bank, Green Climate Fund, Asian Development Bank-ADB) – fighting Fiji’s corner for access to finance which supports recovery, diversification, and growth after the covid-19 pandemic, but also supports a resilient economy against the changing climate and natural disasters. As members of the Commonwealth, we will work to refresh and revitalise the organisation’s role, in preparation for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in Samoa.”
