The Fiji Embassy in Tokyo conducted a Trade and Investment Seminar in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture on Wednesday, 28 November 2012.  As the first ever program as such to be held in Sendai City, the turnout was overwhelming attracting 86 Japanese businessmen and women. The seminar was the joint effort of the staff of the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo and a group of Japanese businessman from Miyagi Prefecture. Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga in making an opening statement to the seminar stressed the importance of further deepening business relations between Japan and Fiji.

In visiting Miyagi Prefecture, Ambassador Mataitoga emphasized the existing relations Fiji has established with the Tohuku Region of Japan. This was when the Bainimarama Government offered 20 scholarships to high school and university students from Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures who were affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami of 11/03/2011 to study in Fiji for 12 months. He also highlighted the value of people to people exchange in the cultural, education and sports field to start the initial process of more visits from Miyagi to Fiji in 2013.

Ambassador Mataitoga addressing the participants at the seminar

The other presentation made at the seminar covered investment assistance outlined in the 2013 Budget announcement by the Bainimarama government and an overview of the economic profile of Fiji since 2006, highlighting the latest economic data which shows Fiji’s economy growing at a higher rate that was previously estimated. Then there were presentations from two Japanese businessmen who are doing business in Fiji and sharing their businesses and why they decided to start their business there. The seminar was followed by a reception in which participants had an opportunity to discuss issues they wish to raise with Ambassador and other Embassy staff in attendance. The support provided by the Miyagi Prefecture Leading LDP Member of House of Representatives in the Japanese Parliament Hon. Mr Kenya Akiba at the seminar was much appreciated.

Areas of potential businesses that were discussed which need dedicated follow-ups are as follows:

• A group of Japanese Tour Operators from Miyagi are hoping to take visitors to Fiji in 2013 and the number they are looking at is around 300 initially. They will organize tours from Miyagi using culture and school sports tournament as the focus
• Automobile Recycles business is looking at opening operations in Fiji in 2013
• Water sports is likely to be explored
• There were serious interests in High School students going to Fiji for their high school education