Fiji Deputy PM Explores Collaboration with Gujarat

Gandhinagar : Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed a strong interest in strengthening cooperation, particularly by tapping into Gujarat’s expertise in the globally renowned agricultural sector, including its dairy industry.

The Deputy Prime Minister also discussed potential collaborations between Gujarat and Fiji in sectors like Artificial intelligence (AI), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), cybersecurity, and dairy. The two leaders had a comprehensive discussion on the remarkable development of Gujarat under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the state’s role as a model of progress and a growth engine for the nation. He also recalled that Prime Minister  Narendra Modi visited Fiji for the first time in 2014, after assuming office. Chief Minister  Bhupendra Patel emphasized Gujarat’s leadership in renewable energy and green hydrogen production, mentioning the ongoing construction of the world’s largest hybrid renewable energy park in Kutch. Besides, Gujarat has introduced a Waste to Energy Policy that promotes biomass, biogas, and biofuel production in the agriculture sector. The Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji also expressed interest in collaborating with Gujarat on ethanol production, given Fiji’s significant sugarcane cultivation.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel invited Fiji’s high-level delegation to visit Gujarat to explore the state’s policy-driven approach and its notable achievements across various industries and emerging sectors. The Chief Minister assured that Gujarat would provide support in areas where Fiji requires guidance and collaboration. The CM conveyed optimism that the visit would strengthen the bond between India and Fiji, Gujarat, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership. Further, the Chief Minister reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to leading the way in realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 by achieving the goal of Viksit Gujarat.

For this, a roadmap for Viksit Gujarat@2047 has been created, emphasizing the priorities of Earning Well-Living Well and Ease of Doing Business. The Chief Minister also updated the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji on the growth of GIFT City as a global financial hub. Following the courtesy visit, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji is scheduled to visit GIFT City and Amul, Anand. Additional Chief Secretary  M. K. Das, Principal Secretary of the Industries Department Mamta Verma, and Secretary to the Chief Minister Avantika Singh remained present during the meeting.