A press conference was organized to shed light on strengthening India Fiji relationship. The press meet was graced by His Excellency Yogesh Punja, Honourable High Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji to India and Mr Harsh Vardhan Patodia, newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Fiji In Kolkata.

The session highlighted on the various initiatives taken by the High Commission of Fiji in India to facilitate inter country trade, investments and tourism.

The two countries share strong bilateral ties and also share many common elements like history, culture, language and cuisines.

The session also focused on improvement in the entertainment sector and a rebate of 75% tax will be given to all the film makers and producers if a film is shot in Fiji.

Rabindra Bharati University has been approached to open a Rabindranath Tagore Centre in Fiji National Museum and Fiji Arts Council as well.

Agriculture and fisheries are two of the main areas of interest of Fiji in West Bengal.

The session also touched upon the topic of the Kolkata Memorial project which was instituted in the year 2011. The High Commission of Fiji in India has decided to partner with the MEA, The Kolkata Port Trust and 7 Diaspora Missions in this regard to establish a proper Museum and archive and upgrade the Kolkata Memorial to make it an important tourist destination for the Indian Diaspora.

Priyanka Dutta