Issues concerning citizenship, investment opportunities, Fiji’s socio-economic development and the latest initiatives implemented by the Government dominated a ‘talanoa’ session held in Brisbane, Australia yesterday evening.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama led the ‘talanoa’ session with the Fijian community living in Brisbane.

He is in Brisbane leading a Fijian delegation to the Fiji-Queensland Trade and Investment symposium – an event designed to develop and strengthen investment and trade opportunities between Fiji and the State of Queensland.

Bainimarama discussed key areas that would boost socioeconomic growth in Fiji – including agriculture and rural development, industry and trade, lands and mineral resources, itaukei affairs as well as Fiji’s regional and international obligations.

The Prime Minister also highlighted key initiatives that are being implemented in the 2017-2018 National Budget.

These initiatives include welfare support, education support, investment support, as well as funds allocated to boost the utilities and ICT sector.

Bainimarama also invited Fijians who have made Brisbane their home, to work with the Government to build the “new Fiji”.

The evening’s event also saw the PM and his delegation receive feedback and questions from former Fijians on the work carried out by government.

They include ICT capacity for investment, the future of Fiji’s sugar industry, dual citizenship, land leases, tourism, importing food crops from Fiji etc.

Also accompaning the Prime Minister are Government Ministers and senior officials representing government ministries and agencies and the Fijian Elections Office.