Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, welcomed Canadian High Commissioner to Fiji, Jennifer Lalonde, along with Canadian Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, at Nadi International Airport yesterday.
Sarai, on his inaugural visit to Fiji, is set to embark on a three-day journey that includes field visits and events in locations such as Nadi, Sigatoka, and Suva. His itinerary features tours of projects funded by Canada, with an emphasis on uncovering opportunities to enhance Canadian trade in Fiji.
During his visit, Sarai announced the launch of the Pacific Women Entrepreneurs as Island Guardians Project (2024–2028), which aims to support women entrepreneurs in Fiji, Samoa, and Tuvalu. Furthermore, he intends to inaugurate Canada’s High Commission in Suva later this week, marking a significant step in fostering Canada-Fiji relations.
Sarai’s agenda includes a series of bilateral discussions with senior government officials, the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, multilateral development partners, and other key stakeholders, further highlighting the strengthening ties and cooperative efforts between Canada and Fiji. The emphasis on empowering women through entrepreneurship reflects a positive step towards economic development in the region.