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DE RUEHSV #0041/01 0311539
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P 311539Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY SUVA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0299
INFO RUCPDC/USDOC WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC 0164
RUCPCIM/CIMS NTDB WASHDC

UNCLAS SUVA 000041 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EB/IFD/OIA AND EAP/ANP 
PLEASE PASS TO USTR 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EINV KTBD OPIC USTR FJ
SUBJECT: Fiji Investment Climate Statement 2008 
 
REF: SECSTATE 158802 
 
¶1. Paragraph 2 contains the text of the 2008 Investment Climate 
Statement for Fiji, per reftel. 
 
¶2. Begin text: 
Openness to Foreign Investment 
In light of recent events in Fiji and concerns about the treatment 
of some established foreign investors by Fiji authorities, potential 
investors should exercise considerable caution.  In December 2006, 
the Republic of Fiji Military Forces overthrew the democratically 
elected government and replaced it with an interim government chosen 
by the military and headed by the military commander, serving as 
interim prime minister.  The military dismissed parliament, declared 
a state of emergency, interfered with Fiji's independent judiciary 
by suspending the chief justice pending investigation of alleged 
irregularities, and temporarily restricted or suspended numerous 
civil rights.  The military repeatedly assured local and foreign 
investors that Fiji remains a safe place to invest and do business. 
However, under the interim government, the long-term investment tax 
concession of one major U.S. investor was unilaterally and abruptly 
withdrawn.  Fiji's tax authority blocked exports of a renowned 
mineral water in a dispute with the bottler over transfer pricing. 
Negotiations to settle the dispute were marked by rancor and a lack 
of transparency on the part of the government. 
 
In a few cases, the military intervened in private business's 
operations.  It occupied without a warrant or process of law the 
main offices of a foreign-owned mining operation, ostensibly on 
security grounds, and established a committee to investigate the 
mining company's decision to close down its operations in Fiji. As 
part of the military's post-coup "clean-up" campaign to root out 
alleged bureaucratic corruption, numerous board members of 
government and quasi-government entities were summarily replaced, 
often with little explanation.  The validity of contracts or other 
agreements entered into with these companies or the current interim 
government may be subject to later interpretation by a court of law. 
 
 
In late January 2007, the military interim government announced 
plans to create an inter-agency investment review and facilitation 
committee, to be headed by the CEO of the Fiji Islands Trade and 
Investment Bureau. 
 
This report reflects the longer-term investment climate and notes 
where the coup has impacted it. 
 
Generally, government restrictions and conditions are designed to 
ensure that investment is desirable for Fiji's development and the 
use of its resources. Fiji has a tradition of a strong judiciary 
where contractual rights are generally upheld.  However, post-coup, 
the independence of the judiciary has come into question, raising 
concerns about due process of law. 
 
Fiji's economy is shifting from a reliance on sugar and textiles to 
a focus on tourism and related industries. The textile industry has 
been in decline for several years but the decline has accelerated 
since global textile preferences were eliminated by the WTO 
beginning in January 2005. The sugar industry is dependent upon 
inflated prices paid by the European Union, scheduled to be phased 
out beginning in 2008. 
 
Fiji's economy shrank an estimated 4.2 percent in 2007.  The 
December 2006 coup led to the issuance of travel advisories by 
Australia, New Zealand and the United States cautioning their 
citizens about travel to Fiji, which in turn led to a decrease in 
tourism revenues. The coup also resulted in a significant number of 
capital projects being scaled down, deferred or terminated. 
Forecasters predict low but positive economic growth during 2008, 
primarily from a projected increase in tourist arrivals and its 
effect on other sectors. 
 
The Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB) is responsible for the 
promotion, regulation and control of foreign investment in the 
interest of national development. FTIB pursues this task in 
conjunction with relevant government ministries. Government approval 
is required for all foreign investment in Fiji. 
 
All businesses or enterprises with a foreign-investment component in 
its ownership are required to apply to the Chief Executive, Fiji 
Islands Trade and Investment Bureau, for the issuance of a 
Foreign-Investment Certificate. The following information is 
required: 
 
¶1. Name of company, firm or enterprise; 
¶2. Description of business activity being carried out by the 
company, firm or enterprise; 
¶3. Location and address; 
¶4. Capital structure; 
¶5. Shareholding structure; 
¶6. Total investment in fixed assets; and 
¶7. Total employment. 
 
The Foreign Investment Act stipulates that the approval process for 
investment applications should take no longer than 5 working days. 
However, businesses should be prepared for any delays in 
processing. 
 
Contact: The Chief Executive, Fiji Islands Trade & Investment 
Bureau, P.O. Box 2303, Government Buildings, Suva, Telephone: (679) 
3315-988, Fax:(679) 3301-783, email: ftibinfo@ftib.org.fj, website: 
www.ftib.org.fj 
 
Certain types of investment are subject to restrictions. Investment 
areas that have been reserved for Fiji Island nationals include 
small scale business such as cafeterias, taxis/busses, handicrafts, 
tailoring, shoe repair, plumbing/electrical, plant nurseries, 
day-care, and veterinary services. Investors must meet certain 
conditions prior to investment in some other restricted industries. 
Fishing enterprises must have at least 30% local equity; 
agricultural enterprises require at least 40% local equity. Full 
listings of reserved and restricted areas can be found at: 
 
http://www.ftib.org.fj 
 
Foreign investors can acquire real estate. However, the land 
situation in Fiji is complex and only a small percentage of land is 
available for purchase. If the property is larger than one acre, the 
Minister of Lands must approve the purchase. There are 
industry-specific incentives for tourism, mining, filmmaking and 
audio-visual activities, boat building, fishing, logging and saw 
milling operations, and bus building. 
Conversion and Transfer Policies 
Following the December 2006 coup, the Reserve Bank of Fiji 
introduced enhanced foreign exchange controls aimed at curbing 
credit growth, relieving pressure on Fiji's foreign reserves and 
avoiding a devaluation of the Fiji dollar. Previously, foreign 
investors bringing in funds or equipment to invest in Fiji who 
fulfilled all regulatory requirements were guaranteed repatriation 
of their investment profits and capital.  The new controls impose 
new regulatory requirements and limit the amount of investment 
profit and capital that may be repatriated.  Although some of the 
controls were relaxed in June 2007, including those on advance 
payments for imports and local borrowing by foreign-owned companies, 
the majority are expected to remain in place through 2008. 
 
Although the Fiji dollar remains fully convertible, the Reserve Bank 
has temporarily suspended offshore investments by non-bank financial 
institutions, companies and individuals.  It has rescinded 
commercial banks' delegated authority to process a number of 
typically larger types of transactions such as profit remittances, 
and has reduced the limits on a number of transactions over which 
the banks retain authority.  Transactions above these require 
express Reserve Bank permission.  The Reserve Bank has also 
introduced a credit ceiling on lending by individual commercial 
banks, although no limits were placed on individual customers.  The 
Reserve Bank has said it will consider individual lending requests 
above the new limits on a case-by-case basis. 
 
Prior to the post-coup restrictions, the processing time for 
remittance applications was approximately 3 working days, provided 
all required documentation was provided. Transactions within the 
newly reduced limits of the commercial banks' delegated authority 
still process within this general timeframe.  Remittance through 
parallel markets continues to require prior approval by the Reserve 
Bank. 
Expropriation and Compensation 
 
Under Section 40 of the Constitution and the Foreign Investment Act, 
a foreign investor has the same protection against compulsory 
acquisition of property as any other person. The foreign investor 
has the same right as a national enterprise of recourse to the 
courts and other tribunals of the Fiji Islands in respect of the 
settlement of disputes. 
 
Expropriation has not historically been a common phenomenon in 
Fiji. 
Dispute Settlement 
The legal system in Fiji developed from British law. Under the 
Constitution, the Fiji Islands Supreme Court is the final court of 
appeal. Both companies and individuals have recourse to legal 
treatment through the system of local and superior courts. 
 
Laws govern all aspects of commercial transactions, including 
bankruptcy law, and the courts have generally enforced these laws in 
a transparent and consistent manner. A foreign investor has the 
right of recourse to the courts and other tribunals of Fiji with 
respect to the settlement of disputes. 
 
However, following the December 2006 coup, the military appeared to 
intercede in a dispute over the closure by a foreign investor of a 
major Fiji gold mining operation.  The mine's workforce appealed to 
the military commander, calling on the interim government to 
investigate the foreign owners' claims the mine was not longer 
viable.  Army troops occupied the mining company property for 
several days, and the interim government established a committee to 
investigate the company's closure decision and recommend response 
options for the government. Also, in January 2007 it was reported 
that the military had taken files from the Fiji company registry 
without warrants as par of its self-initiated investigation into 
possible corruption. 
 
Past investment disputes have often focused on land issues, 
particularly in the logging and tourism sectors. Such disputes have 
been resolved through labor-management dialogue, government 
intervention, referral to compulsory arbitration, or through the 
courts. 
 
Fiji is a party to the Convention on the Settlement of Investment 
Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States. 
Performance Requirements and Incentives 
 
Fiji's investment incentives scheme was reviewed and adjusted in 
2007, with changes incorporated into the 2008 budget.. Foreign 
investors can apply for incentives following registration with the 
FTIB (http://www.ftib.org.fj/invest-fiji-incentive s.cfm) 
 
To support the implementation of newly approved investments, FTIB 
has established a monitoring system to assist companies in obtaining 
necessary approvals to commence operations. The investing firm must 
ensure that commercial production begins within 12 months of the 
date of approval of the project. 
 
Information on incentive packages for investors can be obtained from 
FTIB. Incentives offered include preferential tax treatment and duty 
free or low duty treatment of imported materials and equipment. The 
incentives reflect the Fiji Government's long-term concerted efforts 
to develop tourism, the filmmaking and audiovisual industry, and the 
information technology industry. However the 2008 budget scaled back 
a number of incentives aimed at the tourism sector. 
 
Tourism-related incentives include tax-related investment allowances 
on approved expenditures on tourist boats/ships and approved 
building and expansion projects.  Effective 2009, large tourism 
development projects with capital investments of more than F$10 
million may qualify for a seven-year tax holiday  In addition, 
import duty exemptions are available on all capital goods not 
available in Fiji. Filmmaking and audio-visual incentives include a 
15% tax rebate (to a maximum of F$3.75 million) on qualifying 
production expenditure in Fiji, and between 125% and 150% tax 
concessions for qualifying investments (of at least F$250,000) in 
film, television and music productions, audio visual computer 
software, interactive websites, e-commerce and telecommunication 
operations. The government also offers incentives for the 
development of agriculture, forestry, information technology and 
rural businesses. 
 
The Ministry for Industry, Tourism, Trade and Communication and the 
Ministry for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil 
Aviation control import and export policy. Commercial import policy 
includes consideration of tariff measures, import restrictions, 
quota arrangements and other policies designed to assist development 
of local industries. 
 
Most imports are subject to import duty, which is levied at various 
rates in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act of 1986. Such duties 
may be waived or reduced upon eligibility for investment incentives. 
Most goods may be imported without an import license. However, there 
are restrictions on the import of a number of products to protect 
local industries or for the purposes of quarantine. The restrictions 
are absolute for some products, while others may be imported subject 
to conditions imposed by statute or under license from the Ministry 
of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, or other relevant ministries 
or departments. Quotas may be placed on imports of particular 
products, such as motor vehicles. 
Right to Private Ownership and Establishment 
Foreign investors are discouraged from acquiring controlling 
interest in, or taking over established, locally owned enterprises 
in Fiji. However, permission may be given if such an acquisition or 
takeover is deemed to be in the national interest. 
 
Foreign investors typically operate through a branch or a local 
subsidiary in Fiji. Formation of both public and private companies 
is possible, the process taking about two weeks. Registration costs 
are nominal. The South Pacific Stock Exchange and authorized banks 
in Fiji are allowed to approve investments by non-resident 
individuals and businesses in publicly listed companies and in fixed 
deposit accounts for amounts up to F$5 million (US$2.9 million) per 
investor, per annum.  Investments above F$5 million must be approved 
by the Reserve Bank of Fiji. A public company must have a minimum of 
seven shareholders, with no maximum; a private company must have a 
minimum of two shareholders and a maximum of 50. There are no 
nationality or residence restrictions on shareholders, but 
applications for the issue of new or additional shares or capital 
should be submitted to the Reserve Bank of Fiji for processing 
before share certificates may be issued to nonresidents. 
Protection of Property Rights 
Intellectual Property 
 
Fiji's Copyright Laws are in conformity with World Trade 
Organization (WTO) Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property 
(TRIPS) provisions. However, while copyright laws adhere to 
international laws, and provisions are available for companies to 
register a trademark or petition for a patent in Fiji through the 
Office of the Administrator General of Trademark, Patents, Designs 
and Copyrights, the enforcement of these laws remains inadequate. In 
July 2006, the Fiji Audio Visual Association was established to 
promote the protection of intellectual property and raise awareness 
on copyright issues in Fiji. While police raided several video 
outlets and confiscated illegal copies of DVDs and VCDs in 2006, no 
charges of copyright infringement were ultimately filed.  The open 
sale of illegal materials has resumed, and illegal reproductions of 
films, sound recordings and computer programs continue to be widely 
available. 
 
Contact: Administrator General, Trademarks, Patents, Designs, 
Copyrights P.O. Box 2226, Government Buildings, Suva, Telephone: 
(679) 3312-798, Fax: (679) 3300662 
 
Fiji Audio Visual Industry Association, G.P.O Box 16353, Suva, 
Telephone: (679) 3318912, Fax: (679) 3318910, Email: favia@iFiji.com 
 
 
Land Rights 
 
Land ownership and usage is a highly complex and sensitive issue in 
Fiji society.  In late December 2006, the post-coup interim 
government imposed a temporary ban on all land sales after receiving 
reports of alleged irregularities in the development and sale of 
land to foreigners.  The interim Prime Minister Bainimarama said he 
was particularly concerned with the practice of converting native 
land to crown or state land and its subsequent sale to 
non-residents.  The interim government also established a working 
committee to examine land sale issues and to make recommendations to 
regularize the process, with an eye to ensuring that "the landowners 
are not disadvantaged in the process."  The ban was partially lifted 
in January 2007.  Leases of so-called native title land, which 
constitutes 87.75% of Fiji land, to non-Fiji residents and foreign 
nationals remain restricted, but the government has said it hopes to 
lift this restriction too at a later date. 
 
Land in Fiji falls into three categories: Native land, Crown land, 
and Freehold land. 
 
Native Land refers to the 87.75% of the land held by indigenous 
Fijians under communal tenure relationships. This land, which is 
reserved for the special use of its owners, may not be sold, only 
leased. The Native Lands Trust Board (NTLB) is the statutory body 
responsible for managing native land, including leases.  In its 
post-coup anti-corruption drive the interim government dismissed 
several NTLB officials and undertook a major investigation of the 
board's past practices.  Government plans a major reform of the NTLB 
and the regulation of land usage that could affect investors. 
 
Crown Land refers to the 3.95% of the land in Fiji owned by the 
government. Like NLTB land, Government (Crown) land may not be sold. 
The availability of crown land for leasing is usually advertised. 
This does not, however, preclude consideration being given to 
individual applications in cases where land is required for special 
purposes. 
 
Freehold, private land accounts for 8.06% of total land area. 
 
Investors may lease land, though each lease category has different 
conditions and terms. Leases may be sold, transferred and varied, 
but such dealings are subject to the consent of the NLTB and Lands 
Department. 
 
Government leases for industrial purposes can be up to 99 years with 
rents reassessed every 10 years. NLTB leases for land nearer to 
urban locations are normally for 50-75 years. Annual rent is 
reassessed every 5 years. The maximum rent that can be levied in 
both cases is 6% of unimproved capital value. Leases also usually 
carry development conditions that require lessees to effect 
improvements within a specified time. Investors need to be mindful 
of the interim government's investigations into the NLTB for fraud, 
mismanagement and corruption, as these may affect future dealings 
and lease of native title land 
 
Apart from the requirements of the NLTB and Lands Department, town 
planning, conservation and other requirements specified by central 
and local government authorities affect the use of land.  Investors 
are urged to seek local legal advice in all transactions involving 
land. 
 
Contacts: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Mineral 
Resources, P.O. Box 2222, Government Buildings Suva, Telephone: 
(679) 3211-556, Fax: (679) 3302-730 
 
General Manager, Native Land Trust Board, P.O. Box 116, Suva, 
Telephone: (679) 3312-733, Fax: (679) 3229-696 
Transparency of Regulatory System 
Although the government has made some positive efforts, there is a 
perception among foreign investors of a lack of transparency in 
government procurement and approval processes. Some foreign 
investors considering investment in Fiji have encountered lengthy 
and costly bureaucratic delays.  Investment disputes involving the 
government in 2007 and 2008 have raised serious transparency 
concerns. 
 
Prior to the coup, proposed laws frequently were not submitted for 
public comment. However, a parliamentary committee process was 
developing.  Post-coup, legislation has been by presidential decree. 
That process is facing constitutional challenges. 
 
Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment 
 
Fiji has a well-developed banking system supervised by the Reserve 
Bank of Fiji (RBF). The RBF regulates the Fiji monetary and banking 
systems, manages the issuance of currency notes, administers 
exchange controls, and provides banking and other services to 
government. In addition, it provides lender-of-last-resort 
facilities and regulates trading bank liquidity. 
 
There are five trading banks with established operations in Fiji: 
ANZ Bank, Bank of Baroda, Colonial National Bank, Bank South 
Pacific, and Westpac Banking Corporation. In addition, non-banking 
financial institutions provide financial assistance and borrowing 
facilities to the commercial community and to consumers. These 
institutions include the Fiji Development Bank, Fiji National 
Provident Fund, Housing Authority, Credit Corporation, Merchant 
Finance, and insurance companies. As of August 2007, total assets of 
commercial banks amounted to F$3.7 billion (US$2.3 billion). 
 
The Capital Markets Development Authority (CMDA), formed in 1998, is 
responsible for the development of capital markets and regulation of 
market participants. As a result, a capital market is slowly 
emerging, with 16 companies listed on the Suva-based South Pacific 
Stock Exchange. The Regulation and Compliance Division of the CMDA 
is responsible for the regulation and supervision of the market. 
Political Violence 
 
Fiji has suffered four coup d'etat in its history; two in 1987, one 
in 2000 and one in December 2006.  There was, in addition, a mutiny 
within the Fiji military in November 2000. In May 2000, then Prime 
Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and members of his government were held 
hostage by a group of Fijian nationalists. In the end, Fiji's 
military intervened, removed the coup leaders, and installed an 
interim government that remained in power after 2001 general 
elections.  Largely the same government was again returned to office 
following elections in May 2006.  Investigations by the Fiji Police 
and Public Prosecutor's office into the May 2000 coup resulted in 
several convictions of high-ranking government officials, but 
several of those jailed were subsequently granted early release on 
various grounds. 
 
Fiji remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2006. Mounting tensions 
between the government and the military peaked in December 2006 when 
the military staged a repressive but bloodless coup. Parliament was 
dissolved, the prime minister deposed and effectively exiled to an 
outer island, and government ministers and senior bureaucrats 
removed from office.  In January 2007, the military named an interim 
government to govern until national elections can be held, with the 
military commander as prime minister.  The military committed 
numerous human rights violations in attempting to silence critics of 
the overthrow.  It declared a state of emergency and eliminated or 
restricted many civil rights.  In May 2007, the formal state of 
emergency was lifted, though it was reimposed for 30 days in early 
September 2007. 
In November 2007, police and the military arrested a group of 11 
men, including a prominent locally based New Zealand businessman, 
for allegedly plotting the assassination of interim government 
leaders.  In January 2008, the allegations remained under 
investigation. 
 
The interim government has stated that elections will be held in 
March 2009. 
Corruption 
Credible allegations regarding misuse of government funds or abuse 
of public office have been raised repeatedly over recent years, 
especially in the annual Auditor General's reports.  The limited 
accountability for corruption, inefficient government systems and 
lack of effective disciplinary processes pose major challenges to 
Fiji's fight against corruption. Fiji's relatively small population 
and limited circles of power often lead to personal relationships 
playing a major role in business and government decisions. 
 
Alleged corruption in government and the civil service was cited by 
the military as a major justification for its overthrow of Fiji's 
democratically elected government in 2006.  The military itself, 
however, has suffered from a lack of a transparent budgetary process 
and itself evaded the Auditor General's investigations. Although the 
previous government had announced anti-corruption initiatives, 
including the establishment of an anti-corruption commission and the 
legislating of a Freedom of Information Bill, progress was slow in 
implementing these initiatives.  The current interim government 
established an independent commission against corruption, with broad 
powers of investigation.  However, implementing rules for the Fiji 
Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) were established 
by proclamation and may be challenged at a later date in court. 
 
Fiji has yet to sign the UN Convention against Corruption and there 
is little evidence to suggest that it will do so in the near 
future. 
 
At present, the media, Transparency International Fiji and the 
non-governmental Pacific Center for Public Integrity (PCPI) play 
important roles in raising anti-corruption issues. 
Bilateral Investment Agreements 
Fiji has negotiated double taxation agreements with the United 
Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vanuatu 
and Papua New Guinea. Fiji has not entered into a bilateral 
investment agreement with the United States or any other country. 
 
Fiji is party to a number of regional and international trade 
arrangements, including South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic 
Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA), the Cotonou Agreement and GSP. 
Under SPARTECA, Fiji has broad, duty-free access to the markets of 
Australia and New Zealand for its exports, subject to certain 
exceptions and limitations. In November 2007, Fiji signed an interim 
Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU on trade in goods, 
replacing the trading section of the Cotonou Agreement, which 
secures preferential access to the EU market for some Fiji exports 
(notable exceptions being sugar and rice).  Fiji is also party to 
regional trade agreements PICTA, PACER, and the Melanesian Spearhead 
Group. 
OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs 
 
The U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) provides 
investment insurance in Fiji for qualified applicants. The risks of 
currency convertibility and expropriation are safeguarded under 
Fiji's foreign-exchange regulations. OPIC provides political risk 
insurance and loans for qualified projects. Fiji is not a member of 
the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. 
 
The Fiji dollar is pegged to a basket of currencies of Fiji's 
principal trading partners, chiefly Australia, New Zealand, the 
United States, the European Union and Japan. 
Labor 
 
The workforce in 2006 was estimated at 369,300, of which about 34 
percent are in formal, paid employment. Nearly 80 percent of the 
workforce has been educated to a secondary school level and four 
percent have received a university-level education or post-secondary 
school technical training. 
 
Fiji continues to face a "brain drain", with many skilled and 
professional workers migrating overseas for better working and 
living conditions. Acute shortages are found in the medical field, 
with half the annual nursing graduates migrating each year. 
 
The Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations has 
responsibility for the administration of labor laws and the 
encouragement of good labor relations. 
 
A new Employment Relations Act has been promulgated by decree and is 
scheduled for implementation in April 2008.  This legislation 
consolidates and updates Fiji's labor and employment laws. The new 
legislation mandates that labor disputes be resolved through 
soon-to-be-established mediation courts and tribunals. 
 
Fiji has been a member of ILO since 1974 and has ratified 25 ILO 
conventions. 
Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports 
 
There are no foreign trade zones or free ports in Fiji, however 
tax-free zones and factories exist. Tax-free factories (TFF) and tax 
free zones (TFZ) are no longer available to new companies that wish 
to establish a manufacturing plant for exports. However, companies 
with existing (TFF/TFZ) approvals will continue until the expiry of 
the approvals. 
 
Foreign Direct Investment Statistics 
According to data provided by the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment 
Bureau, total foreign investment proposals approved in 2006 and 2007 
amounted to F$1.05billion (US$630.5 million)  and F$536.6million 
(US$327.1million) respectively. In the same period, U.S.-based 
investments approved in 2006 and 2007 totaled F$203.9million 
(US$122.5million) and F$51.4million (US$31.3million).  Although 
approval is a precondition, it does not necessarily mean that an 
actual investment will be made. 
 
The Reserve Bank of Fiji estimates that in 2007 foreign direct 
investment was the equivalent of 15% of GDP. 
 
Web Resources 
Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB), www.ftb.org.fj 
Fiji Government, www.fiji.gov.fj 
Fiji Government - Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, 
www.foreignaffairs.gov.fj 
Fiji Government - Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources, 
www.lands.gov.fj 
Reserve Bank of Fiji, www.rbf.gov.fj 
Capital Markets Authority of Fiji, www.cmda.com.fj 
Native Land Trust Board (NLTB), www.nltb.com.fj 
Mineral Resources Department, www.mrd.gov.fj/qfiji/ 
Fiji Islands Customs & Revenue Authority, www.frca.org.fj 
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), www.spc.org.nc 
 
SIPDIS 
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, www.forumsec.org.fj 
OPIC, www.opic.gov 
ILO, www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/suva/ 
Bureau of Statistics, www.statsfiji.gov.fj 
Asian Development Bank - South Pacific Subregional Office, 
www.adb.org/SPSO/ 
 
DINGER