Fiji has been chosen as the location for the establishment of the ACP-EU institution called the Center for Development of Enterprises regional office, ahead of Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

The decision to establish the CDE=s regional office in Fiji was made after an independent and objective assessment by the CDE Directorate.

The objective of the CDE is to assist in the development of the private sector and small and medium enterprises including tourism in ACP countries.

Fiji was chosen ahead of Samoa and Papua New Guinea, after the CDE carried out the necessary due diligence and reconciled this with their own requirements on security, political stability, ease of intra-ACP Communication, ease of telecommunication, office space, cost of residence and social issues such as education and medical facilities.

Following the decision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Fiji has expressed its deep appreciation and humility on the decision of the Director of CDE and assured to expedite the processes leading to the opening of the office.

The Ministry said this is a very good opportunity for the Fiji government to capitalize on and strengthen its relationship worth the EU and regional countries.

The CDE will be writing to the Fiji government to officially inform them of the decision before entering into an establishment Contract to set up the regional office in the next 3-5 months.