Fiji’s openness to creating opportunities and the personal desire to uplift the services offered to the people of Labasa has led two former Fiji citizens to further expand their business venture.

Following the successful inauguration of their $1.1 million supermarket in Vuo, Labasa in February, Vunami Development PTE Limited Directors Jitendra Chand, and Suresh Mani are now onto their next phase of establishing a fuel station and developing 100 residential and 20 commercial lots.

“Fiji has a favorable and conducive environment to start a business, and it was an opportune time for us to reintroduce ourselves to our community. Growing up in Labasa and later moving to Australia, I had always desired to return with the most promising investment plan that would enable me to provide services to my people,” Chand said.

Both former Vunika, Labasa residents, along with their Strategic Director, Vijai Krishna Gounder, believe that the completion of the multimillion-dollar project will change the landscape of the area.

"The objective is to develop high-end properties, a pharmacy, and a fuel station to provide the locals with the same service that they might receive if they were abroad. We intend to uplift the standard of living for people in the northern side of Fiji and we are optimistic that we can soon evolve into something more, maybe expand to other parts of the country,” Chand said.

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The two inspiring businessmen have acknowledged Investment Fiji, which has been integral in turning their business plan into a reality.

"Working along with Investment Fiji on this project has been so easy that it has made the process pleasant. It was incredible to note the amount of work done appropriately and diligently in so little time,” mentioned Mani.

Investment Fiji Acting Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty commended the company directors for their tremendous trust in the local economy.

“This is a significant investment because there will be many benefits to help grow economic activity in the Northern Division,” Chetty said.

“Investment Fiji has always been at the forefront of business matchmaking and acting as a platform for expanding business activities between companies domestically and abroad. We have also been a pioneer in connecting aspiring investors to business partners, site selection facilitation, and conducting specialized market research.”

"We believe it is crucial now more than ever to maintain mutually advantageous partnerships during these times of change," emphasized the Acting Chief Executive Officer.

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