Finance Minister of Fiji Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has extended an invitation to Minister for External Affairs Mangala Samaraweera to visit the country and further strengthen relations.

He met with Mr Samaraweera to discuss issues that will lead to improved bilateral relations between the two countries.

"We had very good discussions on strengthening Fiji-Sri Lanka bilateral relations not just between the two countries, but also between Government and business and the business to business relations," Mr Sayed-Khaiyum told Fiji Times.

Enhancing trade and investment between the two countries was one of the key issues discussed and in that regard a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement has been proposed. A draft Agreement will be sent to Sri Lanka to initiate the discussions.

"The South-East Asian region is experiencing economic growth and high commercial activity, and with the increased India-Fiji activity, we need to capitalise on the opportunities that exist in the countries within the vicinity.” the Fijian minister has added.

"Sri Lanka with its new Government can be a country to target for expansion of trade, investment and tourism" the minister has further told Fiji Times.

Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific, known best for its tourism industry and rugby. It is located about 2000 km (1,100 nautical miles) north east of the North Island of New Zealand and has a population of around 860,000.