Through banking, renewable energy and water security — French companies are looking to solidify their footprint in Fiji and the Pacific region through its ‘Make it Iconic’ campaign.
The campaign aims to promote the French state of mind and encourage investors and talent from all over the world to set up in France or to work with France.
Speaking at a breakfast event in Suva yesterday, French Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu, François-Xavier Léger said major French companies have been in the Pacific for years and are very active in their respective fields.
There are currently 10 French companies based in Fiji. They include: BRED Bank, Total Energies, Pacific Energy, Suez, French Pacific Trade, New Caledonia Trade & Invest, Vergnet, Kopac, Down to Earth, and Soleya.
“Most of these companies are part of the daily lives of most Fijian [communities]. For example, Suez, is partnering with the Water Authority of Fiji to treat water and make it drinkable for customers. Total Energies and Pacific Energy assists a lot of Fijian customers when they have to fill their tanks on their way to Nadi and elsewhere. Also, a lot of customers are joining BRED Bank due to the quality of their service. They are contributing to the economic growth here in Fiji,”
François-Xavier Léger
BRED Bank Fiji Chief Executive, Thierry Charras-Gillot, said the French bank has seven branches in Fiji and opened its newest branch in Labasa. “It (Labasa launch) was a great success. In 2024, I would like to open another new branch. I just need to find the right location,” he said.
He added: “It’s good to see some banks are opening new branches when other banks are downsizing or closing their branches”.
The CEO noted the Bank has around 40,000 retail customers and 1700 commercial clients in Fiji.
“At the end of October, our market share in Fiji was 15.26%. It’s still growing,” he said.
The BRED Group has a presence in New Caledonia through its subsidiary, Banque Calédonienne d’Investissement. “We are also in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. And we have shares in Socredo, the first bank in Tahiti. So I think we already have a good footprint in the South Pacific,” he added.