Investment Fiji is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Filimone Waqabaca as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Mr. Waqabaca, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Development Bank (FDB), brings 35 years of distinguished leadership across public service, finance, and diplomacy to the organization.

His career includes high-level diplomatic service as Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan and High Commissioner to New Zealand. Before his diplomatic missions, he held key government positions as the Permanent Secretary for Finance and the Permanent Secretary for National Planning.

Mr. Waqabaca has extensive experience leading many of Fiji’s national institutions. He has served as Chairman for the Fiji Rugby Union, Airports Terminal Services, the Higher Salaries Commission, the Tax Agents Board, and the Budget Aid and Coordinating Committee. Additionally, his governance experience includes board roles with the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, the University of the South Pacific, and state-owned enterprises such as the Fiji Electricity Authority and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings.

His professional journey began in 1990 at the Reserve Bank of Fiji, where he rose to the position of Chief Manager. He also gained international experience with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and as an Adviser to the International Monetary Fund.
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A Vision for Economic Growth

Upon his appointment, Mr. Waqabaca expressed his commitment to advancing the organization’s mission.

"I am excited to be part of Investment Fiji. While serving as a Director is a privilege, being appointed as the Chairperson is a true honor," said Mr. Waqabaca. "I am determined to build on the work done by the Board, Management, and Staff to make a real impact. My focus will be on increasing investment from both foreign businesses and our own domestic businesses. Local investment is a vital sign of economic confidence, and it is key to generating sustainable growth when we create the right environment for businesses to thrive."

Mr. Waqabaca also emphasized the importance of collaboration to reach Fiji’s full investment potential.

"Investment Fiji cannot do this alone. It requires working in partnership with other key agencies in the country. During my tenure, I intend to strengthen these partnerships with investment approving agencies for the benefit of our people and our nation," he added.

Investment Fiji warmly welcomes Mr. Waqabaca to the team and looks forward to his leadership in driving Fiji’s economic future toward new horizons.

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