Technology Professor Says Fiji Can Beat Financial Crisis

[Stacey King]

November 19, 2009 6:20 a.m. EST
Ana Tudrau-Tamani - AHN Fiji Correspondent

Suva, Fiji (AHN) - Fiji can beat the financial crisis with natural elements in its favor and an abundance of fertile land, says an academic.

Assistant Professor in Management at the Fiji Institute of Technology, Dr Kunneth Ramakrishnan said Fiji can even become a rich country if it makes use of available resources.

In a public lecture in Suva today, Ramakrishnan said Fiji can succeed particularly in the agriculture sector.

He gave the example of coconut which he said could be used for a variety of purposes like refreshing cola and white beer from coconut flower; jam and soft drinks from its tender nut; coconut milk, virgin coconut oil, furniture, roofing material, firewood, replacement for glucose solution and even rum, as has the been experienced in Sri Lanka.

The breezes of change are already flowing over Fiji, he said.

These breezes he said will "form into high velocity winds of change."

Fiji he added will then become a "strong, healthy and rich nation."