Location: Marina Road, Fantasy Island, Nadi
Property Developer and Chief Executive Officer, Jet Set Land Developers, King Anwar Hussain,
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 this Commercial Business Center – indicating another milestone in Real Estate Development in Nadi.
Earlier in 2016, I recall, King Anwar Hussain’s lead role as the project coordinator of the Fantasy Road Business Park Development to boost the groups Business Park and Industry Park harmoniously.
Today, five years later we are here to celebrate another achievement under King Anwar Hussain’s guidance.
I’ve known Anwar for many years and he has always been an enthusiastic Fijian at heart, and this is highly commendable. Anwar, I congratulate you on your success and wish you and your team well for your business venture, through this Commercial Business Center.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji has a prominent and vibrant future, when Fijians like Anwar 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 our country. Your confidence in the Fijian economy, even during this time of pandemic, sends out a positive indication 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 rebuilding Fiji again and getting Fijians back to work – with new quality of energy and responsibility. 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 effortless 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.
In addition, we are looking at measures to ensure that the Fijian economy remains resistant. Therefore, under the Regulations of Building Permits Act 2017, a fast-tracked and streamlined approval process for obtaining a construction permit for commercial and industrial purpose has been established, through the Building Permits Evaluation Committee.
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 wish to reiterate that the commitment of domestic investors is vital and necessary to give new strength to the Fijian economy.
I am told, this Commercial Business Park will be a center of activity for retail and commercial purpose, which will create employment, business activity and wider commercialism.
It is quite unmistakable that your investment in Nadi is industrious and is a reassurance to other investors, that there is still hope during this time of pandemic. I take this opportunity to wish you and your team well.
With these few words, I invite you to enjoy the evening, and I officially announce this Commercial Business Center open.
Vinaka Vakalevu.