Economic boom for Fiji’s ‘hidden paradise’
16/02/2009
16/02/2009
A world class golf course and a new hotel in Savusavu are among new projects lined up for Fiji’s northern division.
A Malaysian company has also shown interest in planting jathropha, for bio-fuel, on a big scale, confirms Fiji Trade and Investment Board chairman Francis Narayan.
“There has been considerable interest shown by investors in Vanua Levu, but the flood situation has put everything on hold really,” he adds.
“They are more worried about Fiji’s flood situation however we at FTIB have made a point to talk to investors on a one on one basis and we have been telling them about the tax breaks that can be enjoyed by them if they choose to invest in Vanua Levu.
“As we are talking, there have already been confirmed projects such as hotels in Savusavu and a world class golf course in Natewa Bay. What we are looking at is development that will happen in the near future which will help revamp the North.”
The Northern Division, particularly Savusavu Town, has seen a boom in economic activity recently.
The Public Rental Board last week announced that it is building new flats to accommodate rising demands for housing.
PRB boss Mesake Senibulu said there has been an influx of people into Savusavu, especially from Labasa residents.
Savusavu is also benefiting from the tourist dollar.
The interim Government expects 16 cruise ships to visit the ‘hidden paradise’ this year.
Interim Attorney-General and Acting Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the visit of cruise liner, Pacific Dawn, with over 2000 passengers, last Friday was expected to inject $F100,000 into Savusavu in one day.
Sayed-Khaiyum added that there were plans in place to further develop Savusavu into a tourism town.
State media reports that inbound tour operations were taking tourists to two villages (Nukubalavu and Nukutoso), Waisale Rainforest and a black pearl farm.
A Malaysian company has also shown interest in planting jathropha, for bio-fuel, on a big scale, confirms Fiji Trade and Investment Board chairman Francis Narayan.
“There has been considerable interest shown by investors in Vanua Levu, but the flood situation has put everything on hold really,” he adds.
“They are more worried about Fiji’s flood situation however we at FTIB have made a point to talk to investors on a one on one basis and we have been telling them about the tax breaks that can be enjoyed by them if they choose to invest in Vanua Levu.
“As we are talking, there have already been confirmed projects such as hotels in Savusavu and a world class golf course in Natewa Bay. What we are looking at is development that will happen in the near future which will help revamp the North.”
The Northern Division, particularly Savusavu Town, has seen a boom in economic activity recently.
The Public Rental Board last week announced that it is building new flats to accommodate rising demands for housing.
PRB boss Mesake Senibulu said there has been an influx of people into Savusavu, especially from Labasa residents.
Savusavu is also benefiting from the tourist dollar.
The interim Government expects 16 cruise ships to visit the ‘hidden paradise’ this year.
Interim Attorney-General and Acting Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the visit of cruise liner, Pacific Dawn, with over 2000 passengers, last Friday was expected to inject $F100,000 into Savusavu in one day.
Sayed-Khaiyum added that there were plans in place to further develop Savusavu into a tourism town.
State media reports that inbound tour operations were taking tourists to two villages (Nukubalavu and Nukutoso), Waisale Rainforest and a black pearl farm.
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