Ground work has begun at the Wairabetia Economic Zone (WEZ) in Lautoka.

This was confirmed by Industry and Trade Minister Faiyaz Koya last night at the opening of the 2018 Top Executive Conference in Nadi.

The Zone is intended to attract investment in the ICT, Audio Visual, light manufacturing, and high-end retail sectors.

Koya says the government will continue to provide funding for developments in the zone.

“The second stage of developments will begin in the next financial year. In addition to the site development the Ministry is working closely with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) on a new incentives package, which will be provided for businesses establishing in the Zone.”

Koya adds the latter phase of the Zone project will involve negotiations on a public-private arrangement for the effective and efficient management of the Zone.

The zone will create high employment in the division – many of whom will be graduates from the three near-by Universities.