Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SUVA26
2009-01-22 05:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Suva
Cable title:  

Fiji Investment Climate Statement 2009

Tags:  EINV KTBD OPIC USTR FJ 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHSV #0026/01 0220507
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 220507Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY SUVA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0965
INFO RUCPDC/USDOC WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC 0171
RUCPCIM/CIMS NTDB WASHDC
UNCLAS SUVA 000026 

STATE FOR EB/IFD/OIA AND EAP/ANP
PLEASE PASS TO USTR

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EINV KTBD OPIC USTR FJ
SUBJECT: Fiji Investment Climate Statement 2009

REF: SECSTATE 123907

UNCLAS SUVA 000026

STATE FOR EB/IFD/OIA AND EAP/ANP
PLEASE PASS TO USTR

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EINV KTBD OPIC USTR FJ
SUBJECT: Fiji Investment Climate Statement 2009

REF: SECSTATE 123907


1. Paragraph 2 contains the text of the 2009 Investment Climate
Statement for Fiji, per reftel.


2. Begin text:
Openness to Foreign Investment

In light of political events in Fiji and concerns about the
treatment of some established foreign investors by Fiji authorities,
potential investors should exercise considerable caution. In
December 2006, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces overthrew the
democratically elected government and replaced it with an interim
government chosen by the military and headed by the military
commander, serving as interim prime minister. The military
dismissed parliament and declared a state of emergency. Interim
government interference appears to have impaired the independence of
Fiji's judiciary. The military repeatedly assured local and foreign
investors that Fiji remains a safe place to invest and do business.
However, in 2007, the long-term investment tax concession for one
major U.S. investor was unilaterally and abruptly withdrawn. Fiji's
tax authority also blocked exports of a renowned mineral water in a
dispute with the bottler over transfer pricing.

Interim Government interference with business affairs has generally
decreased since the months following the December 2006 coup.
However, the validity of contracts or other agreements entered into
with the current interim government may be subject to later
interpretation by a court of law.

This report reflects the longer-term investment climate and notes
where the coup has impacted it.

Generally, government restrictions and conditions are designed to
ensure that investment is desirable for Fiji's development and the
use of its resources. Fiji has a tradition of a strong judiciary
where contractual rights are generally upheld. However, post-coup,
the independence of the judiciary has come into question, raising
concerns about due process of law.

Fiji's economy is shifting from a reliance on sugar and textiles to
a focus on tourism and related industries. The once large textile
industry now comprises a small but stable component of Fiji's
exports. The sugar industry is dependent upon inflated prices paid
by the European Union, but these prices are being phased out and
sugar production is in decline.

Following a 6.6 percent contraction in 2007, Fiji's economy
experienced a modest 1.2 percent growth in 2008. Forecasters
predict low but positive economic growth of 2.4 percent in 2009.

The Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB) is responsible for the
promotion, regulation and control of foreign investment in the
interest of national development. FTIB pursues this task in
conjunction with relevant government ministries. Government
approval is required for all foreign investment in Fiji.

All businesses or enterprises with a foreign-investment component in
their ownership are required to apply to the Chief Executive, Fiji
Islands Trade and Investment Bureau, for the issuance of a Foreign
Investment Registration Certificate (FIRC) and also pay a requisite
application fee of F$2,812.50. Applications for a FIRC are available
on-line and the following documents must accompany the application:


1. A copy of the Shareholders Agreement and a copy of the
Declaration of Shareholders, witnessed or certified by a justice of
the peace, lawyer and/or chartered accountant, are to be submitted
if local equity contribution is required;

2. A certified copy of the passport bio-data page, together with a
recent colored passport size photo of all those associated with the
business;

3. A police clearance report from the country of residence in the
last 12 months or more; and

4. Proof of company registration abroad (if applicable).

Contact: The Chief Executive, Fiji Islands Trade & Investment
Bureau, P.O. Box 2303, Government Buildings, Suva; Telephone: (679)
3315-988; Fax:(679) 3301-783; email: ftibinfo@ftib.org.fj; website:
www.ftib.org.fj

The Foreign Investment Act stipulates that the approval process for
investment applications should take no longer than 5 working days.
Depending on the nature of the business, however, investors may
also be required to obtain permits and licenses from other relevant
authorities and should be prepared for delays.

Foreign investors are required a minimum equity level of investment
of F$250,000 (about US $140,000) in cash to be brought in from
offshore on or before the operational date of the business.
Furthermore, certain types of investment are subject to additional
restrictions. Investment areas that have been reserved for Fiji
Island nationals include small scale businesses such as cafeterias,
taxis/buses, handicrafts, tailoring, shoe repair,
plumbing/electrical, plant nurseries, day-care, bakeries, backpacker
and liquor bar operations. With the exception of fishing
enterprises, which must have at least 30% local equity, investors
must meet certain minimum investment thresholds prior to investment
in restricted industries. Full listings of reserved and restricted
areas can be found at: www.ftib.org.fj/invest-fiji-foreign-act.cfm.


Foreign investors can acquire real estate. However, the land
situation in Fiji is complex and only a small percentage of land is
available for purchase. If the property is larger than one acre, the
Minister of Lands must approve the purchase. There are
industry-specific incentives for tourism, mining, filmmaking and
audio-visual activities, boat building, fishing, logging and saw
milling operations, and bus building.

Conversion and Transfer Policies

Following the December 2006 coup, the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF)
introduced enhanced foreign exchange controls aimed at curbing
credit growth, relieving pressure on Fiji's foreign reserves and
avoiding a devaluation of the Fiji dollar. Previously, foreign
investors bringing in funds or equipment to invest in Fiji and who
fulfilled all regulatory requirements were guaranteed repatriation
of their investment profits and capital. The new controls impose
new regulatory requirements and limit the amount of investment
profit and capital that may be repatriated. Some of the controls
were relaxed in 2008, including those on advance payments for
imports and local borrowing by foreign-owned companies, but the
majority are expected to remain in place through 2009.

Although the Fiji dollar remains fully convertible, the Reserve Bank
has temporarily suspended offshore investments by non-bank financial
institutions, companies and individuals. It has rescinded
commercial banks' delegated authority to process a number of
typically larger types of transactions such as profit remittances
and has reduced the limits on a number of transactions over which
the banks retain authority. Transactions above these require express
Reserve Bank permission. The Reserve Bank has also introduced a
credit ceiling on lending by individual commercial banks, although
no limits were placed on individual customers. The Reserve Bank has
said it will consider individual lending requests above the new
limits on a case-by-case basis.

Prior to the post-coup restrictions, the processing time for
remittance applications was approximately three working days,
provided all required documentation was provided. Transactions
within the newly reduced limits of the commercial banks' delegated
authority still process within this general timeframe. Remittance
through parallel markets continues to require prior approval by the
Reserve Bank.

Expropriation and Compensation

Under Section 40 of the Constitution and the Foreign Investment Act,
a foreign investor has the same protection against compulsory
acquisition of property as any other person. The foreign investor
has the same right as a national enterprise of recourse to the
courts and other tribunals of the Fiji Islands in respect of the
settlement of disputes.

Expropriation has not historically been a common phenomenon in
Fiji.

Dispute Settlement

The legal system in Fiji developed from British law. Under Fiji's
Constitution, the Fiji Islands Supreme Court is the final court of
appeal. Both companies and individuals have recourse to legal
treatment through the system of local and superior courts. Laws
govern all aspects of commercial transactions, including bankruptcy
law, and the courts have generally enforced these laws in a
transparent and consistent manner. A foreign investor has the right
of recourse to the courts and other tribunals of Fiji with respect
to the settlement of disputes.

Following the December 2006 coup, however, the military appeared to
intercede in a dispute over the closure by a foreign investor of a
major Fiji gold mining operation. The mine's workforce appealed to
the military commander, calling on the interim government to
investigate the foreign owners' claims the mine was no longer
viable. Army troops occupied the mining company property for
several days, and the interim government established a committee to
investigate the company's closure decision and recommend response
options for the government. Also, in January 2007 it was reported
that the military had taken files from the Fiji company registry
without warrants as part of its self-initiated investigation into
possible corruption.

Past investment disputes have often focused on land issues,
particularly in the logging and tourism sectors. Such disputes have
been resolved through labor-management dialogue, government
intervention, referral to compulsory arbitration, or through the
courts.

Fiji is a party to the Convention on the Settlement of Investment
Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States.

Performance Requirements and Incentives

To support the implementation of newly approved investments, the
FTIB's Investment Division - Facilitation Unit has established a

monitoring system to assist companies in obtaining necessary
approvals to commence operations. The investing firm must ensure
that commercial production begins within 12 months of the date of
approval of the project.

Foreign investors can apply for incentives following registration
with the FTIB (www.ftib.org.fj).
Information on incentive packages for investors can be obtained from
FTIB. Incentives offered include preferential tax treatment and duty
free or low duty treatment of imported materials and equipment. The
incentives reflect the Fiji Government's long-term concerted efforts
to encourage exports and develop priority sectors, including
tourism, commercial agriculture, fisheries, forestry, the filmmaking
and audio visual industry, and the information technology industry.
Fiji's 2009 budget also includes incentives to encourage bio-fuel
and renewable energy initiatives and the establishment of a tax free
region in the northern and maritime island regions of the country
for investments above F$2 million.

Tourism incentives include tax-related investment allowances on
approved expenditures on tourist boats/ships and approved building
and expansion projects. The 2009 tourism incentive package provides
for 55 percent investment allowance on total expenditure and a hotel
incentive package, whereby large tourism development projects with
capital investments of more than F$7 million may qualify for a
10-year tax holiday. Filmmaking and audio-visual incentives include
an increase in the film tax rebate from 15 percent to 35 percent.

The Ministry for Industry, Tourism, Trade and Communication and the
Ministry for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil
Aviation control import and export policy. Commercial import policy
includes consideration of tariff measures, import restrictions,
quota arrangements and other policies designed to assist development
of local industries.

Most imports are subject to import duty, which is levied at various
rates in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act of 1986. Such
duties may be waived or reduced upon eligibility for investment
incentives. Most goods may be imported without an import license.
However, there are restrictions on the import of a number of
products to protect local industries or for the purposes of
quarantine. The restrictions are absolute for some products, while
others may be imported subject to conditions imposed by statute or
under license from the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Primary
Industries, or other relevant ministries or departments. Quotas may
be placed on imports of particular products, such as motor
vehicles.

Right to Private Ownership and Establishment

Foreign investors are discouraged from acquiring controlling
interest in, or taking over established, locally owned enterprises
in Fiji. Permission may be given, however, if such an acquisition
or takeover is deemed to be in the national interest. Foreign
investors typically operate through a branch or a local subsidiary
in Fiji. Formation of both public and private companies is
possible, the process taking about two weeks. Registration costs are
nominal. The South Pacific Stock Exchange and
authorized banks in Fiji are allowed to approve investments by
non-resident individuals and businesses in publicly listed companies
and in fixed deposit accounts for amounts up to F$5 million (US$2.9
million) per investor, per annum. Investments above F$5 million must
be approved by the Reserve Bank of Fiji. A public company must have
a minimum of seven shareholders, with no maximum; a private company
must have a minimum of two shareholders and a maximum of 50. There
are no nationality or residence restrictions on shareholders, but
applications for the issue of new or additional shares for increased
capitalization should be submitted to the Reserve Bank of Fiji for
processing before share certificates may be issued to nonresidents.


Protection of Property Rights

Intellectual Property

Fiji's Copyright Laws are in conformity with World Trade
Organization (WTO) Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property
(TRIPS) provisions. However, while copyright laws adhere to
international laws, and provisions are available for companies to
register a trademark or petition for a patent in Fiji through the
Office of the Administrator General of Trademark, Patents, Designs
and Copyrights, the enforcement of these laws remains inadequate.
Illegal materials, and illegal reproductions of films, sound
recordings and computer programs are widely available throughout
Fiji.

Contact: Administrator General, Trademarks, Patents, Designs,
Copyrights P.O. Box 2226, Government Buildings, Suva; Telephone:
(679) 3312-798; Fax: (679) 3300662; and
Fiji Audio Visual Industry Association, G.P.O. Box 16353, Suva;
Telephone: (679) 3318912; Fax: (679) 3318910; Email:
favia@iFiji.com

Land Rights

Land ownership and usage is a highly complex and sensitive issue in
Fiji society. In late December 2006, the post-coup interim
government imposed a temporary ban on all land sales after receiving
reports of alleged irregularities in the development and sale of
land to foreigners. The ban was partially lifted in January 2007.
Leases of so-called native title land, which constitutes 87.75% of
Fiji land, to non-Fiji residents and foreign nationals remain
restricted, but the government has said it hopes to lift this
restriction at a later date.

Land in Fiji falls into three categories: Native land, Crown land,
and Freehold land. Native Land refers to the 87.75% of the land
held by indigenous Fijians under communal tenure relationships.
This land, which is reserved for the special use of its owners, may
not be sold, only leased. The Native Lands Trust Board (NTLB) is
the statutory body responsible for managing native land, including
leases. In its post-coup anti-corruption drive, the interim
government dismissed several NTLB officials and undertook a major
investigation of the board's past practices. Government plans a
major reform of the NTLB and the regulation of land usage, which
could affect investors.

Crown Land refers to the 3.95% of the land in Fiji owned by the
government. Like NLTB land, Government (Crown) land may not be
sold. The availability of crown land for leasing is usually
advertised. This does not, however, preclude consideration being
given to individual applications in cases where land is required for
special purposes.

Freehold, private land accounts for 8.06% of total land area.

Investors may lease land, though each lease category has different
conditions and terms. Leases may be sold, transferred and amended,
but such dealings are subject to the consent of the NLTB and Lands
Department.

Government leases for industrial purposes can be up to 99 years with
rents reassessed every 10 years. NLTB leases for land nearer to
urban locations are normally for 50-75 years. Annual rent is
reassessed every 5 years. The maximum rent that can be levied in
both cases is 6% of unimproved capital value. Leases also usually
carry development conditions that require lessees to effect
improvements within a specified time. Investors need to be mindful
of the interim government's investigations into the NLTB for fraud,
mismanagement and corruption, as these may affect future dealings
and the lease of native title land.

Apart from the requirements of the NLTB and Lands Department, town
planning, conservation and other requirements specified by central
and local government authorities affect the use of land. Investors
are urged to seek local legal advice in all transactions involving
land.

Contacts: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Mineral
Resources, P.O. Box 2222, Government Buildings Suva; Telephone:
(679) 3211-556; Fax: (679) 3302-730

General Manager, Native Land Trust Board, P.O. Box 116, Suva;
Telephone: (679) 3312-733; Fax: (679) 3229-696

Transparency of Regulatory System

Although the government has made some positive efforts, there is a
perception among foreign investors of a lack of transparency in
government procurement and approval processes. Some foreign
investors considering investment in Fiji have encountered lengthy
and costly bureaucratic delays. Investment disputes involving the
government in 2007 and 2008 have raised serious transparency
concerns.

Prior to the coup, proposed laws frequently were not submitted for
public comment. However, a parliamentary committee process was in
the process of development. Since the coup, legislation has been by
presidential decree.

Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment

Fiji has a well-developed banking system supervised by the Reserve
Bank of Fiji. The RBF regulates the Fiji monetary and banking
systems, manages the issuance of currency notes, administers
exchange controls, and provides banking and other services to
government. In addition, it provides lender-of-last-resort
facilities and regulates trading bank liquidity.

There are five trading banks with established operations in Fiji:
ANZ Bank, Bank of Baroda, Colonial National Bank, Bank South
Pacific, and Westpac Banking Corporation. In addition, non-banking
financial institutions provide financial assistance and borrowing
facilities to the commercial community and to consumers. These
institutions include the Fiji Development Bank, Fiji National
Provident Fund, Housing Authority, Credit Corporation, Merchant
Finance, and insurance companies. As of September 2008, total
assets of commercial banks amounted to US$2.4 billion (F$3.97
billion).

The Capital Markets Development Authority (CMDA),formed in 1998, is
responsible for the development of capital markets and regulation of
market participants. As a result, a capital market is slowly
emerging, with 16 companies listed on the Suva-based South Pacific
Stock Exchange. The Regulation and Compliance Division of the CMDA
is responsible for the regulation and supervision of the market.

Political Violence

Fiji has suffered four coups d'etat in its history: two in 1987, one
in 2000 and one in December 2006. There was, in addition, a mutiny
within the Fiji military in November 2000. In May 2000, then Prime
Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and members of his government were held
hostage by a group of Fijian nationalists. In the end, Fiji's
military intervened, removed the coup leaders, and installed an
interim government that remained in power after 2001 general
elections. Largely the same government was again returned to office
following elections in May 2006.

Fiji remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2006. Mounting
tensions between the government and the military peaked in December
2006 when the military staged a repressive but relatively bloodless
coup. Parliament was dissolved, the prime minister deposed and
effectively exiled to an outer island, and the vice president,
government ministers and senior bureaucrats removed from office. In
January 2007, the military named an interim government to govern
until national elections can be held, with the military commander as
prime minister. The military committed numerous human rights
violations in attempting to silence critics of the overthrow. It
declared a state of emergency and eliminated or restricted many
civil rights. In May 2007, the formal state of emergency was
lifted, though it was reimposed for 30 days in early September

2007.

The interim government initially promised to hold elections in March

2009. It has subsequently refuted this commitment and refuses to
commit to a timetable for elections.

Corruption

Credible allegations regarding misuse of government funds or abuse
of public office have been raised repeatedly over recent years,
especially in the annual Auditor General's reports. The limited
accountability for corruption, inefficient government systems and
lack of effective disciplinary processes pose major challenges to
Fiji's fight against corruption. Fiji's relatively small population
and limited circles of power often lead to personal relationships
playing a major role in business and government decisions.

Alleged corruption in government and the civil service was cited by
the military as a major justification for its overthrow of Fiji's
democratically elected government in 2006. The military itself,
however, has suffered from a lack of a transparent budgetary process
and has itself evaded the Auditor General's investigations.
Although the previous government had announced anti-corruption
initiatives, including the establishment of an anti-corruption
commission and the legislating of a Freedom of Information Bill,
progress was slow in implementing these initiatives. The interim
government has established an independent commission against
corruption, with broad powers of investigation. However,
implementing rules for the Fiji Independent Commission Against
Corruption (FICAC) were established by proclamation and may be
challenged at a later date in court.

Fiji has yet to sign the UN Convention Against Corruption, and there
is little evidence to suggest that it will do so in the near
future.

At present, the media, Transparency International Fiji, and the
non-governmental Pacific Center for Public Integrity (PCPI) play
important roles in raising anti-corruption issues.

Bilateral Investment Agreements

Fiji has negotiated double taxation agreements with the United
Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vanuatu
and Papua New Guinea. Fiji has not entered into a bilateral
investment agreement with the United States or any other country.

Fiji is party to a number of regional and international trade
arrangements, including the South Pacific Regional Trade and
Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA),an Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA) with the EU, and the Generalized System of
Preferences. Under SPARTECA, Fiji has broad, duty-free access to
the markets of Australia and New Zealand for its exports, subject to
certain exceptions and limitations. In November 2007, Fiji signed
an interim EPA on trade in goods, replacing the trading section of
the Cotonou Agreement, which secures preferential access to the EU
market for some Fiji exports (notable exceptions being sugar and
rice). Fiji is also party to regional trade agreements PICTA,
PACER, and the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs

The U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) provides
investment insurance in Fiji for qualified applicants. The risks of
currency convertibility and expropriation are safeguarded under
Fiji's foreign-exchange regulations. OPIC provides political risk
insurance and loans for qualified projects. Fiji is not a member of
the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.

The Fiji dollar is pegged to a basket of currencies of Fiji's
principal trading partners, chiefly Australia, New Zealand, the
United States, the European Union and Japan.

Labor

The workforce in 2006 was estimated at 369,300, of which about 34
percent are in formal, paid employment. Nearly 80 percent of the
workforce has been educated to a secondary school level, and four
percent have received a university-level education or post-secondary
school technical training.

Fiji continues to face a "brain drain", with many skilled and
professional workers migrating overseas for better working and
living conditions. Acute shortages are found in the medical field,
with half the annual nursing graduates migrating each year.

The Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations has
responsibility for the administration of labor laws and the
encouragement of good labor relations.

A new Employment Relations Act was promulgated by decree in April

2008. This legislation consolidates and updates Fiji's labor and
employment laws. The new legislation mandates that labor disputes
be resolved through soon-to-be-established mediation courts and
tribunals.

Fiji has been a member of the International Labor Organization since
1974 and has ratified 25 ILO conventions.

Foreign-Trade Zones/Free Ports

To encourage development in the northern and maritime regions of
Fiji, each has been declared a Tax Free Region (TFR). Businesses
that are established in such a region and meet the prescribed
requirements will enjoy a 13-year corporate tax holiday and import
duty exemption on raw materials, machinery and equipment.

Foreign Direct Investment Statistics

According to data provided by the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment
Bureau, total foreign investment proposals approved in 2006 and 2007
amounted to US$630.5 million and US$327.1 million respectively. In
the same period, U.S.-based investments approved in 2006 and 2007
totaled US$122.5 million and US$31.3 million. Approval is a
precondition but does not necessarily mean that an actual investment
will be made. The Reserve Bank of Fiji estimates that in 2007
foreign direct investment was the equivalent of 15% of GDP.

Web Resources

Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB),www.ftib.org.fj
Fiji Government, www.fiji.gov.fj
Fiji Government - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International
Co-operation & Civil Aviation, www.foreignaffairs.gov.fj
Fiji Government - Ministry of Lands, Mineral Resources &
Environment, www.lands.gov.fj
Reserve Bank of Fiji, www.rbf.gov.fj
Capital Markets Authority of Fiji, www.cmda.com.fj
Native Land Trust Board (NLTB),www.nltb.com.fj
Mineral Resources Department, www.mrd.gov.fj/qfiji/
Fiji Islands Customs & Revenue Authority, www.frca.org.fj
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC),www.spc.org.nc
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, www.forumsec.org.fj
OPIC, www.opic.gov
ILO, www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro
Bureau of Statistics, www.statsfiji.gov.fj
Asian Development Bank - South Pacific Subregional Office,
www.adb.org/SPSO/

MCGANN