PowerPoint Presentation

[Audio] ... Zhongmin Holdings Group (Fiji) Pte Limited.

[Audio] Bula Vinaka and welcome to this presentation on a Big Agriculture project where a company called....

[Audio] ... Zhongmin Holdings Group (Fiji) Pte Limited.

[Audio] Zhongmin is a locally owned company, fully owned in Fiji, established in 2019 by a father-daughter team. The father, who emigrated from China nearly 40 years ago, partnered with his daughter, who was born and raised in Fiji, attended Yat Sen, and pursued her tertiary education abroad..

[Audio] The meaning of Zhongmin, Zhong means Center and Min, people, Zhongmin means Bringing People Together.

[Audio] "Zhongmin aims to establish partnerships with landowners across all Fijian provinces, extending to the Mataqali level. The goal is to create an Industrial Zone that will serve as a marketplace for farmers and a processing hub for both crops and livestock.".

[Audio] With this endeavour in mind they went to China to further research on better ways to bring the best and the latest in Agricultural methodologies and also connecting with investors to make this implement honourable project..

[Audio] They initially formed partnerships with companies in Beijing, Shanghai, Antui, Yantai, and Qingdao..

[Audio] They have also signed an agreement with the Warton Economic Institute to fund this project..

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[Audio] ChatGPT said: ChatGPT "Meetings were held in 2023 to discuss the project, culminating in the signing of the agreement.".

[Audio] "With a strong belief that agriculture is the backbone of our economy...".

[Audio] "Zhongmin recognized that while iTaukei people own 92% of the land, 75% of those living in poverty are also iTaukei. Additionally, there has been a rise in crime, with 90% of individuals in correctional facilities being iTaukei.".

[Audio] "Zhongmin recognized the lack of capital, technology, and expertise needed for iTaukei landowners to start businesses and fully utilize their natural resources. We are here to help bridge these gaps.".

[Audio] "To create a Fijian product that is grown, produced, and packaged entirely in Fiji.".

[Audio] "Essentially, we are ushering in a 'New Era of Fijian Agriculture,' embodying the old saying: 'No agriculture, no civilization.'".

[Audio] Over the past year, Zhongmin has worked to bring its vision to life through key meetings with various government and provincial leaders: 13 April 2023 – Investment Fiji, Mr. Ananaiasa Vunituraga 16 May 2023 – iTaukei Affairs, Director 19 May 2023 – Tailevu Provincial Office 14 June 2023 – Ra Provincial Council 4 August 2023 – Tailevu Chief Meeting 6 September 2023 – Ministry of Finance 15 September 2023 – Ministry of Mineral Resources 3 October 2023 – Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways 15 January 2024 – Mr. Pita Wise, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister 18 January 2024 – Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica 23 January 2024 – TLTB 24 January 2024 – Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna, Assistant Minister, Office of the Prime Minister 2 March 2024 – Hon. Prime Minister of Fiji 27 May 2024 – Minister of iTaukei Affairs, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu 3 June 2024 – Mr. Pita Wise, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister These engagements represent a significant effort to gain support and collaboration for Zhongmin's initiative..

[Audio] The Prime Minister, the Deputy Minister….

[Audio] The Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister….

[Audio] Investment Fiji, Ra Provincial Council…. [image].

[Audio] Tailevu Provincial Council. TAILEVU CHIEF MEETING- 4TH AUGUST 2023.

[Audio] Finally, the Minister of iTaukei Affairs provided valuable guidance on effective ways to build relationships and make inroads with indigenous landowners..

[Audio] Zhongmin hosted a full-day workshop at the Holiday Inn for the Provincial Council Chairpersons of Fiji, demonstrating their commitment to and outlining the way forward for the Big Agriculture project aimed at benefiting iTaukei landowners..

1/1/93. 7 June 2024 Chairmans Provincial Council meeting – Holiday Inn.

[Audio] Forming Joint Venture Partnerships with Land Owning Units from the 14 Provinces Of Fiji including Rotuma.

[Audio] Zhongmin believes that all landowners need is a supportive hand to help turn their dreams and aspirations into reality, empowering them to utilize their natural resources through the creation of fair and mutually beneficial partnerships..

[Audio] With a minimum of 300 to 400 acres of land, to be utilized for crop farming or livestock raising based on soil testing results, Zhongmin will provide funding from the initial stages, covering soil testing, infrastructure development, including buildings, equipment, seedlings, and all the necessary expertise to ensure the success of the project..

[Audio] An estimated investment of $100,000 per acre will be allocated for land assessment, preparation, construction of facilities, procurement of machinery and equipment, implementation of advanced farming technology, and the provision of necessary training to support the project's success..

[Audio] The model will operate as follows: produce from farms across the provinces will be delivered to the Industrial Zone, which functions as a central marketplace. Here, the produce will be purchased for processing in various factories. The finished products will then be sold back to province-owned stores, built by Zhongmin, at wholesale prices. Additionally, these products will be distributed to the Pacific region and beyond, reaching global markets..

[Audio] In the Joint-Venture Partnership, Zhongmin Holdings Group will fully fund and operate the business. Initially, after covering all expenses, the equity will be shared with Zhongmin holding 80% and the land-owning unit holding 20%, as part of a profit-sharing arrangement. After an agreed period of 3 to 5 years, the agreement will be reviewed, and adjustments may be made to the equity split, transitioning from an 80-20 to a 70-30 arrangement, eventually reaching a 50-50 share. The adjustments will depend on the stages of the project, with Zhongmin assessing the recoupment of its investment at each stage..

[Audio] The benefits to the iTaukei people are significant: Maximize the value of their most valuable resource – land owned by iTaukei communities. Create employment opportunities, boosting local economies. Generate direct income for families through participation in the project. Provide iTaukei landowners with 20% of the profits from the final harvest. Retain skilled workers by offering training programs that enhance local expertise. Support locally grown and produced goods, strengthening the regional economy. Help eradicate poverty by creating sustainable income sources and opportunities for growth. Implement a Natural Disaster Recovery Scheme to ensure that wealth and assistance are never interrupted, regardless of the impact of natural disasters, ensuring continued support and resilience. ,.

[Audio] Zhongmin will adhere to all Key Environmental concerns, 1. Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Expanding agricultural land often leads to deforestation, which threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems. 2. Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices can result in soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and decreased soil fertility. 3. Water Pollution: The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate water sources, affecting both human health and aquatic life. 4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through practices like burning crop residues and livestock farming. 5. Climate Change: Fiji is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and changing rainfall patterns..

[Audio] Adopting Sustainable Agricultural Practices: 1. Agroforestry: Integrating trees into agricultural systems can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide additional income streams through timber and non-timber products. 2. Organic Farming: Reducing the use of synthetic chemicals by adopting organic farming practices helps maintain soil fertility, reduce pollution, and protect water quality. 3. Conservation Agriculture: Techniques such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping can protect soil structure, enhance fertility, and reduce erosion. 4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Using biological control methods, crop rotation, and resistant crop varieties to manage pests can minimize the reliance on chemical pesticides. 5. Efficient Water Use: Implementing drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and proper irrigation scheduling can conserve water resources and reduce stress on freshwater systems. 6. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Adapting agricultural practices to be resilient to climate change involves the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties, altering planting schedules, and improving water management..

[Audio] All Policy and Regulatory Framework: 1. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): Mandating EIAs for large agricultural projects ensures that potential environmental impacts are identified and mitigated before project approval. 2. Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Policies: Developing policies that promote SLM practices can help balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. 3. Protected Areas and Buffer Zones: Establishing protected areas and buffer zones around sensitive ecosystems can prevent habitat loss and preserve biodiversity. 4. Education and Training: Providing farmers with education and training on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship encourages the adoption of eco-friendly farming methods. 5. Incentives for Sustainable Practices: Offering financial incentives, subsidies, or technical support for farmers who adopt sustainable practices can promote widespread implementation..

[Audio] And all Marine Protected Areas Act will be followed: Environmental Management Act 2005: Provides guidelines for sustainable resource use, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and the management of waste and pollution. Fisheries Act: Regulates fishing activities to prevent overfishing and protect marine ecosystems. Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Act: Ensures safe maritime practices, including pollution control and the protection of marine life from shipping activities..

[Audio] Several land areas have been identified for the Industrial Zone in the provinces of Ba, Bua, Tavua, Tailevu, and Ra..

[Audio] The Industrial Road Map is illustrated above, showcasing the journey from the farm to the Industrial Zone and ultimately to global markets..

[Audio] For example, the combined population of the five provinces—Qingdao, Shanghai, Anhui, Yantai, and Beijing—totals 128 million people, providing a vast market opportunity..

[Audio] The potential industrial locations, Ba…. Potential Industrial Locations.

[Audio] Bua…. Potential Industrial Locations. Bua.

[Audio] Bua, near Nabouwalu…. Potential Industrial Locations.

[Audio] Tavua…. Potential Industrial Locations. TAVUA.

[Audio] Tailevu. Potential Industrial Locations. TAILEVU.

[Audio] Ra. Potential Industrial Locations. RA. An aerial view of land with white text Description automatically generated.

[Audio] Clearly, we will be collaborating with the Ministry of Lands on matters related to foreshore land and mataqali land..

[Audio] We will be collaborating with TLTB to utilize all types of land leases, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, commercial agriculture, special leases (such as tourism, recreational, and educational), as well as sand and gravel extraction licenses and leases..

[Audio] We will be collaborating with TLTB to utilize all types of land leases, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, commercial agriculture, special leases (such as tourism, recreational, and educational), as well as sand and gravel extraction licenses and leases..

[Audio] We will offer landowners the option to form a partnership either through the TLTB or their Mataqali Deed of Trust..

[Audio] The Transportation Plan. TRANSPORTATION PLAN.