Fiji National University vice chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand lights a diya while other dignitaries looks on during the opening of the World Hindu Economic Forum at Sheraton Fiji Resort yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The Indian Government is committed to continue its support of the Fijian sugar industry.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Vinod Kumar, stressedthis while speaking at the World Hindu Economic Forum at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, Nadi, yesterday. He said while the trade between India and Fiji was not much, works were continuing on that front as well.
“I must confess that trade between India and Fiji is not very large. We have been making efforts to see how it can grow further. But we will probably not see a dramatic increase in trade in goods. We have to focus more on investments and services.”
He said India had supported upgrading of the sugar industry in Fiji. “We are continuing our cooperation in this important sector,” Mr Kumar said.
He said that the India-Fiji bilateral relations have grown steadily during the past few years due to several initiatives and bilateral visits to and from Fiji.
“I mentioned earlier that we should focus more on investments. Businesspersons can play a catalytic role in this.
“Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) plays an important role in attracting investments. Negotiations for DTAA have been concluded and the Agreement is expected to be signed this year,” he said.
Mr Kumar also highlighted to the forum that during 2012, Fiji emerged as a destination for commercial film-makers from India, including two Hindi films, namely 3G and Table No. 21.
“Rebate given by the Fijian Government is said to be the prime reason for film producers to choose Fiji as destination. More film productions are expected in the near future,” he said.
The Forum brought together eminent Hindus from across the globe to Fiji to discuss issues which affects everyone.