trade conference

American embassy in Fiji to host international trade conference

THE United States Embassy in Suva, Fiji is planning a major trade conference this month to further enhance trade and investment between Fiji and the United States.

American Commercial Attache in Suva, Mr. Ted Pierce, says the idea behind this important conference is to enable American busi ness people and their counterparts in Fiji to explore trade opportu nities and discuss issues of mutual interest like shipping, customs, quarantine regulations, freight consolidation and ways to enhance trade. Opportunities afforded by the U.S./Pacific Island States Joint Commercial Commission will also be discussed.

The Conference theme will be “Face to Face with American Business.” It will be held over a three-day period starting June 9, 1999. Mr. Pierce emphasized that an important part of the con ference package will be free “Gold Key” service to participating

American companies on June 10 and 11 to enable them to meet with Fiji private sector leaders, government officials, and other commercial organizations with whom they share a common commercial interest. On the Fiji side there is immense interest in the conference among leading firms, government departments and statutory bodies, including the Fiji Trade and Investment Board. A large turnout of leading local business representatives is expected.

American goods, services and investment have increasingly entered Fiji’s markets in recent years as more and more Fiji busi nesses look to the US as a source of goods and services. Mr. Pierce believes this conference will provide an unprecedented opportuni ty for American and Fiji businesses to develop new links and build further momentum. Full details of the conference is available from Fiji’s Trade Commission in Los Angeles and the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji. ■