FIJI. The country’s two leading duty free retailers, in partnership with native Fijian interests, have each been awarded ten-year retail concessions at Nadi Airport.
The tender was won by two companies, Waqavuka Development Co and (as reported on 21 April by The Moodie Report) Duty Free Traders. Waqavuka is a joint venture, 70% run by the Mothibhai Group, headed by Mahendra Patel, in partnership with native Fijian landowners. Duty Free Traders is controlled by Fiji’s other leading duty free retailer, Tappoo Group, in association with a local council.
The tenders run from 10 January 2006. The tendering operation was criticised by a local businessman Himmat Lodhia who claimed that airports authority Airports Fiji had shown favouritism. But Airports Fiji Limited chairman Viliame Leqa said the board arrived at the decision after an intensive, proper and transparent evaluation.
He said he would ask Lodhia to retract his statement or face legal action from AFL. He said the tenders were evaluated by audit firm KPMG.
Leqa said the awarding of the tender to the two companies would provide AFL with a good financial return, merchandise range and quality as well as ensure the participation of Fijians in business.
Motibhai Group of Companies chief executive Mahendra Patel said he was delighted to have won the tender and that native landowners would benefit.
“We have always done business above board and our performance speaks for itself. Our partnership with landowners has been successful and we are pleased to work with them,” he told the Fiji Times.
Duty Free Traders Limited chairman Kanti Tappoo said he was pleased with the outcome. He told The Moodie Report: “Now that our tenancy has been extended, we are working on designs for our main duty free store. We are currently in the design stage of the ground floor of our main departures store. We are turning the first floor into speciality stores that will cater to branded outlets, including Nike, our boutique brand Saffron Soul and Surfwear shops. This is in addition to our Express Liquor and Express Perfumes outlets. The whole concept will be called Fiji Village.”
Note: Kanti Tappoo is profiled in the latest issue of The Moodie Report print edition, out later this month.
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