Fiji scored another first in boosting its relations with the new Government in India with its high-ranking minister visiting Delhi to felicitate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the echelons of its leadership.
As reported in our past two issues, BJP, led by Narendra Modi, registered a spectacular victory in the Indian general election the results of which were declared on May 16. The Party won 282 seats in the 543 members Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), giving it a simple majority to govern without the need for coalition partners.
Strong friend
India has always stood beside Fiji during the testing times that the latter went through since its independence in 1970, coups in 1987, 2000 and 2006 and suspension from the membership of the Commonwealth. India’s Federal Ministers have routinely included Fiji in their Australia-New Zealand itinerary.
India has also honoured a number of Fijians of Indian origin with its Pravasi Samman Awards held in January every year.
It was therefore natural for Fiji to send Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and a team of officials to Delhi to greet the BJP on its rise to power.
As Attorney-General and Industry & Trade Minister (among several other portfolios), Mr Sayed-Khaiyum champions the cause of his country with proficiency and articulates well with his counterparts in India. Apart from financial assistance, India has provided a number of other facilities including training of its defense and other personnel.
Cordial meetings
During his stay in the Indian capital, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum met with BJP Co-Convenor Vijay Jolly presented a copy of the ‘Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.’ Dr Rajni, another Co-Convenor and others were present at the meeting held at the BJP Headquarters, the first such after the electoral victory.
An eight-member delegation, including Fiji’s High Commissioner to India Yogesh Karan, Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited Executive Chairman Abdul Khan, Permanent Secretary for Industry Shaheen Ali, Deputy Secretary M N Lumelume, Trade Director Seema Sharma, Legal Officer T Baravilala, First Secretary S Waikere and Second Secretary Om P Goundar accompanied Mr Syed-Khaiyum.
Fostering relations
Emphasising the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, he .Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said, “India is a super power and a fast developing nation that is under-represented in the Pacific region in terms of trade and investment. While our ties are strong, these have not yet translated into real benefits for either country,” he said.
The Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) and the launch of Indo-Fiji Business Association in January will lead to higher levels of friendship and cooperation, he added (Indian Newslink, February 15, 2014)
“In the past, there was little motivation for the business communities in Fiji and India to get together to explore new opportunities. Now, the DTA and Business Association are playing an important role in furthering trade, investment and businesses opportunities; however, there is still need for political will,” Mr Syed-Khaiyum said.
Democracy returns
He said that the Fijian Government, led by Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has the political will to implement appropriate measures to encourage businesses and Fijians to take full advantage of the new incentives and ensure that they are mutually beneficial.
Mr Syed-Khaiyum briefed the BJP leadership of the efforts being concerted by his Government to restore democracy in Fiji through general election scheduled to be held on September 17, 2014
According to reports, Mr Jolly conveyed Mr Modi’s wishes to work with the Fijian Government to strengthen existing ties, including development of trade and business between the two countries.
