A boom in investment from China is expected in the near future after potential investors were today assured by the Interim Minister for Commerce, Industry, Investment and Communication Taito Waradi of full support from the interim government.

Speaking at the China-Fiji Trade and Investment Seminar Waradi said that the interim government is looking at expanding the current export markets beyond our traditional trading partners.

Waradi said that for too long we have restricted and depended on Australia, New Zealand, US and EU markets because of our traditional ties, later re-enforced by the existence of preferential trade arrangements and other benefits in trade and investment and he believes it is time to break out of the box and look at other market opportunities like China.

He added that Fiji exports to China had experienced a growth of more than 300% over the period 2001 to 2006 with the major exports to China being fish, timber, furniture products and manufactured foodstuff.

There is also an increase in the investment projects by Chinese Nationals recording an increase of 19.4% from 2000 to 2006 in key sectors like fishing, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, wholesale and retail, tourism and forestry.

Waradi also highlighted that two major hotels project owned by Chinese nationals, Bula Vinaka Fiji Hotel and SSS International Limited are also in the pipe-line awaiting implementation.