The proposed $80 million Damodar City Nadi development was unveiled today by the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, marking a major milestone for Fiji's economic development and a significant expansion of private-sector investment into one of the nation's most important economic corridors.

This major new investment is set to bring fresh economic opportunities across the Western Division, with more than 680 permanent jobs expected to be created across retail, hospitality, technology, and facilities management. Additional benefits will also flow through to local contractors, suppliers, farmers, tradespeople, and emerging entrepreneurs.

The development has been positioned as more than a commercial centre. A modern lifestyle precinct is being planned, bringing together shopping, dining, entertainment, accommodation, meeting facilities, and collaborative workspaces within a single location. The proposed precinct will operate under the concept "SHOP • DINE • ENTERTAIN • STAY", while incorporating spaces intended to reflect Fijian culture, family life, and community interaction. The project follows the Damodar Group's existing developments in Suva and its $60 million investment in Damodar City Labasa, extending the company's presence into the Western Division after years of market assessment and planning.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Immanuel highlighted the importance of this investment for the nation's future, stating that an investment of $80 million is far more than steel, concrete, and modern architecture—it is a resounding vote of confidence in the Fijian economy. He added that the project reflects the value of sustained cooperation between Government and the private sector, particularly as Fiji continues to pursue broad-based growth, employment creation, and greater economic resilience.

Group Chief Executive Div Damodar also shared his vision for the project, expressing deep gratitude to his family for the group's origins and acknowledging that without their foundation, this historical development would not have been possible. He described Nadi as the center of the heartbeat of Fiji's GDP and emphasized the group's commitment to giving the people of Nadi something big that they would be proud of.

He noted that the development approach is grounded in respecting Vanua, engaging with people and authorities, and creating what the community truly wants. He made it clear that the project belongs to the people, stating that the group is just a vessel and that it is the community that will make it happen. He also confirmed that the entire cinema and property team, along with three different international teams, are contributing to the Nadi project, and that a lot of the development, including tenancies they have been discussing, will be launched next year in the mid.

Nadi's established role as an international tourism gateway is expected to be further strengthened through the development, and by supporting activity beyond conventional business hours, the precinct is also expected to contribute towards a safer and more vibrant 24-hour economy, encourage greater visitor spending, and provide new spaces for local businesses to operate.

The successful launch of this project highlights the vital role of Investment Fiji in facilitating major developments across the country. Investment Fiji has been identified as the principal partner in this initiative, providing guidance at every step of the process.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Kamal Chetty, Chief Executive Officer of Investment Fiji, said that this is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when Government and the private sector work together towards a shared vision for Fiji's economic growth.

He added that Investment Fiji is proud to have supported the Damodar Group throughout this process, from initial planning through to today's launch, and that projects like Damodar City Nadi demonstrate that Fiji is open for business and ready for innovation. He reaffirmed Investment Fiji's commitment to facilitating investment that creates jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens communities across all divisions.

Beyond job creation, the development aims to empower local entrepreneurs and foster partnerships with iTaukei institutions and landowners. It will expand the local supply chain, including local farmers supplying fresh produce to food courts, as well as technology startups and modern co-working spaces. Hon. Immanuel noted that investments of this scale help deepen the national economy by spreading activity across multiple sectors and strengthening household incomes, adding that this is precisely the kind of investment the nation needs—one that strengthens the economy while strengthening the communities that make it up.

The Coalition Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a stable and enabling environment in which responsible private investment can flourish, and further details on the official launch of the Damodar City Nadi project are expected to be announced in mid-2027.

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