Business Profile
Economy
The Fijian economy has a sizeable subsistence agricultural economy as well as producing cash crops, of which sugar is the most important. In 2002, the government began a wholesale reorganisation of the state-owned sugar monopoly, which was close to collapse through years of inefficiency and the state of the world sugar market. Fisheries and timber, especially mahogany (of which Fiji is the world’s second-largest producer) are also vital export earners. The industrial sector exploits low-grade copper deposits. There are also a number of light industrial enterprises producing goods such as cement, paint, cigarettes, biscuits, flour, nails, barbed wire, furniture, matches and footwear, mainly for domestic consumption. Tourism is the main service industry, and was severely affected by recent political upheavals, although visitors are gradually returning. Foreign trade and investment have both declined, while many ethnic Indian members of the business community have left the country. GDP growth in 2002 was 4.8 per cent. Fiji’s largest trading partners are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK and the USA; more recently, closer economic relations have been forged with other Asian countries, including China, Korea (Rep) and Taiwan.
Business
Lightweight or tropical suits are acceptable. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1700 (some businesses/government offices close 30 minutes earlier every day, and one hour earlier on Fridays).
Commercial Information
The following organisation can offer advice: Suva Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 337, Suva (tel: 338 0975; fax: 338 0854).
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