Local businesses can expect an increase in its investment portfolio, thanks to the efforts of Fijians living in America. The development followed the registration of a chamber of commerce in the United States designed to connect businesses of the two countries. The US Fiji Chamber of Commerce, which began operation last June, has seven USA-based businesses that invest locally, said chamber president, Narendra Narayan. Mr Nayaran is a tech guru and president of Innovative Circuits Engineering, and founder of Narayan Family Foundation in San Jose, California. He said industries such as technology and agriculture were top of the list for investment opportunities. “The tourism industry has pretty much taken off; it doesn’t need much of our involvement,” Mr Narayan said. “The reason for technology is students that graduate from university do not have many opportunities, we want to create jobs for them.” Before investments are made in Fiji, a memorandum of understanding is signed between the chamber and Fiji Trade Commission North America. Fiji businesses need to grow, and the chamber must bridge the gap, said Mr Narayan. The chamber is registered as a business league under Section 50l(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, meaning it is not organised for profit. It creates a supportive environment for businesses in Fiji and the United States to connect and grow, and aims to have at least 50 members before its first anniversary. Case in point Mr Narayan said there were over 1000 Fijian-owned businesses in California that needed encouragement to invest in Fiji. Poasa Koroitamana, owner of multi-million-dollar company, Divine Fijian Group is constructing a piggery farm on a 56-acre land in Nausori. In collaboration with Vuda Piggery Farm and Wainanitu Piggery Farm, Mr Koroitamana’s business aimed to establish itself as the Pacific’s premium meat exporter. Mr Koroitamana also plans to construct a retirement haven for Americans. ■ Location: Maui, Nadroga. ■ Land Tenure: Freehold. ■ Property development: 20 houses. Mr Koroitamana was a speaker at the chamber’s third networking event last Saturday. It was the first of its kind though for Sacramento. “The chamber’s involvement will open up endless opportunities by tapping into the expertise of its members, who are experienced business leaders,” said Mr Koroitamana. “A long-term goal of the company is to reduce the outflow of skilled labour seeking opportunities abroad. “Instead of Fijians leaving for better prospects, we should create opportunities for them at home.” Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj