13th July 2011, Suva: The Government of Brazil has communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation its agreement to the appointment of Mr. Cama Tuiqilaqila Tuiloma as Fiji’s first Ambassador to Brazil. |
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| Cama Tuiloma. |
Fiji established diplomatic relations with Brazil on 16th February 2006. The joint communiqué was signed in New York by the then Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations HE Mr. Isikia Savua (deceased) and the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN HE Mr. Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg establishing full diplomatic relations between Fiji and Brazil. This was after the approval from the Fiji Cabinet at its 6th Meeting in its decision no. 141 of 28th March 2000.
Mr. Tuiloma has served Government for 37 years with his last appointment as the Permanent Secretary for Works, Transport & Public Utilities. From July to December 2008, Mr. Tuiloma was Fiji’s Acting High Commissioner to New Zealand.
Brazil is the largest national economy in Latin America, the world’s eighth largest economy at market exchange rates and the seventh largest in purchasing power parity (PPP), according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The economy of Brazil is diverse encompassing agriculture, industry and services.
Fiji has been able to trade with Brazil in goods re-exporting items such as vehicle parts and articles of steel and ore. Fiji’s imports from Brazil include amongst others vegetable products, coffee, prepared food stuff, beverages, spirits, vinegar, tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes, chemicals, plastics, grains, footwear items, glassware, ceramic products, jewelry , iron and steel.
Fiji and Brazils interest in the multilateral negotiations in the Doha is linked with the ‘W 52 sponsor” of countries in the negotiations on trade related intellectual property rights (TRIPS) in particular on geographical indication and disclosure.
The opening of Fiji’s Embassy in Brazil follows the successful opening in April this year of Fiji’s Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia and the opening later this month of our new Embassy in South Africa.
The establishments of these new Missions are in line with Pillar 11 of the Peoples Charter which is, “Enhancing Global Integration and International Relations”. Under this Pillar:
“Fiji must reassert itself to regain its rightful place in the regional and international family of nations. Improved foreign and international relations are essential for achieving this. Our representations overseas will be boosted to ensure that Fiji’s vision and aspirations is well understood by our trading and development partners.
Enhanced global integration and partnerships will result in increased trade and cooperation including technical assistance and aid for trade. Bilateral and multilateral arrangements will be actively pursued with our development and trading partners. Fiji will strengthen its investment and trade facilitation through enhanced negotiation capacity and improved trade infrastructure.”
The opening of Fiji’s Embassy in Brazil is to be done later in the year.
