Confidence shown in Fiji as tourism centre

Press, 8 March 1988, Page 17

Confidence shown in Fiji as tourism centre

By JAMES SHRIMPTON NZPA-AAP Fiji Australian and Fiji an businessmen have expressed confidence in Fiji as a destination for investment and tourism.

The affirmation came in a communique issued after the first joint conference at the Fijian Resort in Cevu of the AustraliaFiji and Fiji Australia Business Councils. The more than 80 delegates were buoyed by a message from Fiji’s Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, acknowledging Australia’s'past assistance and involvement in Fiji’s economy, and urging their: renewal. -

The, councils’ leaders said the message sealed the return jof the good relations that existed be- | tweeni the two countries before they i were soured by the first [of last year’s two military .coups in Fiji. After the! coups, Ratu Mara'was embittered by Australian and New Zealand ‘criticism of events in Fiji and at one stage said

Fiji would turn from its old trade and business links and seek new partners in Asia.

In an address read in his absence by the acting Prime Minister, Josefata Kamikamica, he assured Australian businessmen of security of their investment, and guaranteed them freedom to repatriate capital and profits to the extent of present regulations. Australia recently established relations with Fiji's five-month-old republican Government and resumed I economic aid suspended after the coups, i In their communique, :the two business councils said their two days of Jtalks demonstrated the enormous amount .of 'goodwill towards Fiji in jAustralia;

The consensus of delegates was of confidence in the future of Fiji “as a continuing destination for Australian tourists and a forum for substantial business investment and development.”

After the discussions, the councils framed a number of proposals to be presented to Government Ministries and departments.

Among them are: A planned campaign in Australia and elsewhere to encourage Fijian nationals who have emigrated to return home — to reverse a worrying “brain drain.”

Initiation of training programmes to fill the skills gap created by migration. I Relaxation of the present Sunday trading and sporting bans in Fiji, which the I councils said would encourage tourism. Early conclusion of a “tax-sparing” agreement with the Australian Government to fit in with investment ! - incentive packages now being offered by the Fiji-an Government.

The Fijian Government to respond quickly and positively to mews media inquiries, to avoid speculative reporting about Fiji,

especially overseas. Improved communications facilities in Fiji to encourage investors. Updating of the Australian joint-venture scheme — about which many delegates said they knew nothing. A lowering of personal income tax in Fiji, increasing personal initiatives.

Using Expo ’BB in Brisbane to promote tourism and investment potential.

Ratu Mara in his address accused the australian news media of "inaccurate, misleading, sensational and often libellous” reports which he said gratly damaged Fiji’s tourist industry.

He invited Australian delegates to tour Fiji and see for themselves whether media reports were true.

“I would urge you on your return to Australia to tell it as it is,” he said.

“We are no ‘terror in paradise.’ We are still a friendly, hospitable and peaceful country.”

Other delegates to ithe meeting also attacked ;the Australian news media’s reporting on Fiji. [

A former director: of the National Party [ in Queensland, a consultant, Mr Mike Evans, said Australian reporting of events in Fiji had been “disgraceful, over-played and inaccurate.”

Such coverage was one of Fiji’s biggest problems in Australia.

He had been asked: by people in Australia if it was safe to walk the streets in Fiji and whether they might be attacked. But everything in Fiji was “normal,” he said.

Among resolutions passed by delegates jwas one urging the Fijian Government to respond promtly and positively to news media inquiries | “to avoid speculative reporting.”

’i Ratu Mara was not able to attend the conference because bad weather lhad delayed his return from an overseas trip.