Director of Mega Supermarket Irish Khan,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and good evening to you all.
It is a pleasure to be here this evening, to officially open Mega Supermarket — a hundred percent Fijian owned business.
Earlier this year, I recall, the Honorable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum opening this three-million-dollar complex to serve Cuvu and its growing demand for goods and services.
Today, seven months later we are here to celebrate another achievement of Mr. Irish Khan – a dear friend.
I’ve known Irish for a very long time and he has always been dedicated to Fiji at heart, and this is highly admirable. Irish, I am here today, not as a Minister, but as friend to congratulate you on your success and to wish you well for your business venture.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I know, Fiji has a strong and vibrant future, when Fijians invest in their country. It makes me think that, we, the Fijian Government, are doing something right to keep you and other Fijian investors firmly committed to your country. Your confidence in the Fijian economy, even during this time of pandemic, sends out a positive signal to foreign investors.
Let me assure you all, that your Government will continue to do whatever it takes to enable business continuity now and in the future. We remain within reach to assist you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The 2020-2021 National Budget is about building Fiji again and getting Fijians back to work – with new vigour and new commitment. The National Budget includes several incentives to boost our retail sector – such as duties being slashed on 1,600 items, elimination of STT, stamp duty and business licensing. We want to make it easy for you to do business in Fiji.
Also, the Fijian Government has implemented decisive reforms in the area of starting a business. Beginning with digitalisation of the business registration process, bringing tax registration online and now with the removal of business licensing.
Over the year, we will work on the digitalisation of building permits application and approvals and starting a business process.
These are some of the specific policies, provided by the budget, which will allow our economy to recover faster. You, the industry stalwarts, need to capitalise on the initiatives and incentives provided and help create new economic opportunities and jobs for Fijians.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming back to today’s event, I want to reiterate that it is the commitment of domestic investor is critical and required to reinvigorate the Fijian economy.
It is quite evident that your investment in this community has created much required impetus in Cuvu. I take this opportunity to wish you and the staff of Mega Supermarket well.
With these few words, I invite you to enjoy the evening, and I officially announce Mega Supermarket open.
Vinaka Vakalevu.