Jagannath Sami, the grandson of an indentured laborer from Visakhapatnam, now serves as the High Commissioner of Fiji to India. Sami’s current role focuses on enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on promoting investment to boost Fiji’s economy and develop key sectors. His vision includes building stronger connections with India, drawing upon the historical ties between the countries and the substantial Indian-origin population in Fiji.
During a recent visit to Chennai, Sami engaged with a range of stakeholders, including film producers, reputed hospital administrators, and small and medium enterprise (SME) owners. His mission was to showcase the incentives and tax advantages that the Fijian government offers to international investors. In a conversation with The New Indian Express (TNIE), Sami stressed Fiji’s dedication to sustainable economic development, underscoring the nation’s commitment to attracting investment that can foster self-reliant industries.
Highlighting the deep-rooted historical connections between India and Fiji, Sami pointed out that 38% of Fiji’s population is of Indian descent. This demographic connection has earned Fiji the nickname “mini India.” Sami expressed optimism that this cultural and historical bond would inspire the Indian government to collaborate with Fiji on initiatives such as establishing a living museum to commemorate the shared legacy, particularly the history of the girmitiyas (indentured laborers). He also acknowledged the recent visit of Indian President Droupadi Murmu to Fiji as a significant success, resolving longstanding issues such as the allocation of land for India to build a chancery and cultural center in the Fijian capital.
In his ongoing efforts to promote investment opportunities, Sami plans to visit various Indian states to meet with key business sectors, encouraging them to explore Fiji as a favorable destination for investment. He particularly emphasized Fiji’s largely untapped potential as a location for film production. According to Sami, film producers recognize Fiji as a highly desirable location for shooting, but concerns regarding the high costs of transporting crews due to the distance from major film hubs have been raised. To address these concerns, Sami revealed that the Fijian government is considering establishing local production facilities and offering financial support to reduce expenses for filmmakers. He also floated the idea of creating schools to train local technicians, which would further enhance Fiji’s attractiveness as a filming destination.
Tourism, another vital sector for Fiji, was also on the agenda. Sami addressed enquiries about the feasibility of direct flights from India to Fiji. He noted that, with proper marketing, travelers could easily visit Fiji by combining their trips with other international destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore. By collaborating with Indian travel agencies, Sami believes that Fiji could significantly increase the number of Indian tourists visiting the country. SN Srikanth, Honorary Consul of Fiji in Chennai, emphasized that tourism is booming in Fiji and that there is substantial potential for growth in the Indian market. He remarked that Indian travelers are increasingly discovering Fiji as an exotic and fulfilling destination.
Recognizing the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to Fiji’s economic landscape, Sami is keen to attract investments from this sector. He explained that as a relatively small country, Fiji places a strong focus on SMEs, offering favorable tax benefits and ensuring continuity in investment policies to provide stability for investors. Sami sees an opportunity for technological advancements in agriculture, an area where India has significant expertise, given that over 90% of Fiji’s population has received an education. Mechanised farming and modern agricultural practices, according to Sami, would be essential for furthering Fiji’s agricultural sector. He also noted that while Fiji’s domestic agricultural market is modest, its access to larger markets in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, the USA, and Canada makes it an attractive proposition for investors.
In addition to economic growth, climate change is a pressing issue for Fiji and other Pacific island nations. Sami highlighted that while the Pacific region remains relatively clean, it suffers from the effects of climate change, with the loss of at least one island per decade due to rising sea levels. Pacific nations have been vocal advocates for climate action on the global stage, with a focus on renewable energy solutions such as solar, wind, and green energy. Fiji is a member of the International Solar Alliance, which is spearheaded by India, and Sami sees significant investment opportunities in alternative energy projects within Fiji. He also mentioned that Fiji has available land for reforestation initiatives, further aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
By strengthening ties between India and Fiji, Sami hopes to drive significant investment into key sectors, fostering sustainable growth and creating new opportunities for both nations.
