H.E Mr. Isikeli Mataitoga was at Narita Airport to farewell the first wave of returnees for Team Fiji (Thursday, 29 July 2021)
HE Mr. Isikeli Mataitoga was at Narita Airport on Thursday, 29 July 2021, to farewell the first wave of returnees for Team Fiji, including the Olympic gold medalists Fiji Rugby 7s Men’s Team. Table tennis Olympian Sally Yee and Swimmer Taichi Vakasama were also part of those who completed their competitions and returned home.
Q & A ON DIASPORA VISITATION WITH TEAM FIJI – TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka,
Since last month, the Fiji Embassy Tokyo has been receiving enquiries from our Fijian diaspora on the possibility of meeting the Team Fiji athletes and officials. FASANOC Secretary General – CEO Ms. Lorraine Mar, responded below to some of the enquiries we have received thus far.
- Can we come to the Airport and meet Team Fiji?
You cannot meet the Team on arrival or at departure at the Airport. As a requirement of IOC and the Japanese Government, they are maintaining a very strict bubble and really cannot interact with anyone outside of the bubble. Except for First Secretary, Ms. Kelera SAVU, the designated Fiji Embassy coordinate accredited by IOC for the Fiji Team.
2. Can we visit and see the Team at their Host Town hotel?
Team Fiji is not able to receive any visitors in Oita. Not only because of the bubble but also Oita City’s rule.
3. Can we see the Team at one of the training sites?
No, it is not allowed. The athletes and officials are not permitted to mingle at the training sites. Only those with accreditation will be able to access the Training sites.
4. Can we call and see the Team at the Olympic Village?
I regret to advise that the OLV is not receiving any visitors, and Day Passes that would normally be available have been withdrawn.
5. Are the athletes allowed to come out and meet us after taking part in their event?
Again, this will not be possible. The athletes and officials are only allowed to move from the Olympic Village to training and back, or to the competition venue and back. They will not be allowed to sightsee, go shopping, visit families and friends, etc. Team Fiji had to fill in a daily activity plan for each person according to the movements mentioned, and no deviation from the plan is permitted. Team Fiji will suffer consequences if there is a breach of these activity plans.
6. Can we meet the athletes outside the Olympic Village?
All athletes and officials from all countries will not be able to socialize with anyone outside of their Team at all. This will not be possible. Any movement outside of the Olympic Village can only be through the Transport Mall.
7. If the athletes are bringing our stuff, whom can they pass it to?
The only person I can think of is First Secretary, Ms. Kelera Savu. If it is in their suitcases, then it will have to be when she comes to Oita. The only other alternative I can think of is for our people to post whatever it is.
8. Would there be a church service or community gathering for Team Fiji, as usual in previous games?
This will not be possible. Tokyo 2020 will be the first time we won’t be able to do this. This will be an Olympic Games like no other, and everyone will have to be super careful and very mindful of their actions. For the Team, this is not only to protect the people of Japan, but also the people of Fiji on our return. The last thing we want is to compound the already escalating COVID-19 cases in Fiji.
We thank you for your understanding and support in this regard.
End.
Fiji Embassy Tokyo
6 July 2021
FIJI WELCOMES LARGEST-EVER PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT FROM JAPAN
The Fijian Government has entered into an agreement under which a consortium, namely Sevens Pacific Pte Limited, owned by Chugoku Electric Power Company (“CEPCO”) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (“JBIC”) will acquire a 44% shareholding in Energy Fiji Limited (“EFL”).
The investment by CEPCO and JBIC is the culmination of an exhaustive process to identify a highly experienced and credentialed international utility to acquire a shareholding in EFL. It was a critical objective of any transaction that the investor not only offer a financial investment to Fiji, but contribute deep operational expertise and experience in electricity generation and networks.
CEPCO’s exceptional track record as an international, integrated electricity utility made them the ideal candidate for the divestment. With CEPCO and JBIC as strategic shareholders, EFL will have the ability to tap into world-leading operational expertise, project delivery experience, technology and financial capacity to support the company in meeting the growing electricity demands of the nation and its renewable energy targets, while also providing reliable, renewable and affordable electricity to all Fijians.
Fiji is wholly committed to an ambitious net-zero carbon emissions target and plans to transition away from fossil fuels and to utilise exclusively renewable energy sources by 2050. With over 50% of EFL’s electricity already generated by renewable sources of hydro, wind and biomass, Fiji is well placed to achieve its long-term targets. The combined expertise and capital of CEPCO and JBIC is expected to dramatically boost this transition.
Acting Minister for Economy, Mr. Faiyaz Koya also announced his full support for the transaction:
“Energy Fiji Limited has found a reputable partner for change in the Chugoku Electric Power Company as it prepares to spearhead Fiji’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050. Despite the obvious challenges the COVID pandemic has posed for cross-border agreements, Fiji and Japan have capped 50 years of strong diplomatic ties with the single-largest investment ever made by a Japanese company in Fiji. With Chogoku’s operational capacity and expertise at its disposal, EFL can perform better for the Fijians who rely on their services today while transforming into the driving force behind Fiji’s renewable energy revolution.”
The consortium will acquire 44% of shares in EFL, acquiring 24% from Government and 20% from FNPF. As a result of the share purchase, FNPF will fully divest its shareholding in EFL to the consortium. FNPF’s Acting CEO, Viliame Vodonaivalu, who led the initial investment in EFL, expressed his strong support for the transaction and acknowledged the tireless efforts by all employees at EFL in building an outstanding company.
“The opportunity for FNPF to invest in EFL was unique in both the quality and scale of the business and supported our investment strategy to diversify into more growth assets. EFL is an exceptional operation and undoubtedly one of Fiji’s leading corporations, supported by the dedicated efforts of management and employees.
Today we are happy to announce to our members that the investment was a success, yielding excellent returns for them especially given the prevailing economic environment. This will further solidify our financial performance and return capital for reallocation to other investment opportunities.
Following the divestment, the Fijian Government will continue to remain the major shareholder in EFL, retaining a controlling interest of 51% of the shares in EFL while Fijian account holders with shares in EFL continue to hold 5%. Following the signing of the share sale agreement, a number of additional conditions are required to be met before the financial close.
The Government was advised by ANZ Corporate Advisory and Squire Patton Boggs.
Source: Fijian Government
https://www.fiji.gov.fj/Media-Centre/News/FIJI-WELCOMES-LARGEST-EVER-PRIVATE-SECTOR-INVESTME