Outgoing president of the Fiji PNG Business Council, Kevin McCarthy, being interviewed by the Fiji Sun Business Journalist, Maraia Vula.
SUVA
Fijian Holdings Limited Group chief executive, Nouzab Fareed, has been elected as the president of the Fiji Papua New Guinea Business Council.
Mr Fareed, a chartered accountant and investment specialist, has held top jobs in Fiji and Sri Lanka.
He taught MBA programmes at universities internationally before being recruited to work in Fiji.
Fijian Holdings Limited is a successful and significant player in Fiji’s business sector and also has investments in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Fareed who is away on an overseas trip, in a note sent to his council members, said he was happy with his new appointment.
The note was read by outgoing president and Bank South Pacific country manager, Kevin McCarthy, at the council’s annual general meeting at the Grand Pacific Hotel on Thursday evening.
Mr Fareed thanked the members of the council for appointing him as president.
He also thanked the previous committee for the work done over the past two years and said he was confident the new executive committee will continue to take the council forward into a new level.
Further plans
Mr Fareed hopes to host one day business workshops like the Fiji PNG Business Symposium with speakers from both sides.
He said this would be done at alternate locations; one year in Fiji and one year in PNG.
“We are hoping to welcome a PNG business delegation to Fiji. Hopefully it will come to fruition,” he said.
Mr McCarthy, congratulating Mr Fareed on his appointment, acknowledged him as a very competent chief executive of a major company in Fiji which has major business dealings in PNG.
“They have active companies operating in PNG so he has understanding of doing business in PNG and the challenges there,” he said.
“He has the great skills set for the role as a president a very good networker.”
Mr McCarthy highlighted membership would grow but with marketing and more networking events.
New Trade Commissioner
Meanwhile, Mr Fareed said the appointment of Fiji’s new Trade Commissioner to PNG would improve investment ties between Fiji and PNG.
Mr Fareed said the council will await for the appointment of a new Trade Commissioner to PNG.
“As I said, the role of the trade commissioner is really important. If we get that in place and have a trade mission up in PNG, we will then get people naturally who would want to join the council,” he said.
Mr Fareed will appoint a vice president during the council’s next meeting.
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj