About The Permanent Secretary
Mr. Shaheen Ali has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of trade policy, trade negotiations, industry development, economic management, functioning of state owned enterprises, consumer protection and competition laws and development policies for growth of micro, small and medium businesses. He is also part of Fiji’s negotiating team for all trade negotiations that Fiji is party to, including trade and market access agreements that Fiji has concluded in the last decade.
Mr. Ali has a Master in Foreign Affairs and Trade, from Monash University. And his experience has enabled him to develop strategic partnerships with both public and private sector and communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
As the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport he has put in place strategies to position Fiji as a vibrant, dynamic and internationally competitive economy that serves as the regional hub.
Recently, he has led the review and redesign of processes for starting a business and obtaining construction permits, in partnership with key agencies. For the first time, information has been brought online in a centralised portal for starting a business or construction permits. This portal will in at least 2 years become a submission and approvals portal for the business and construction licenses.
Mr Ali is the Chair of the Doing Business Taskforce, which has been mandated by the Fijian Cabinet to eliminate barriers to doing business in Fiji. This is being done through business process reforms and digitalisation of Government processes.
Mr Ali has recently taken over the responsibility as Permanent Secretary for Local Government, in an acting capacity. His experience and knowledge from trade, tourism, commerce, transport and reforms, is vital for this new role. His experience will enhance the functions of government agencies, through process reforms and realignment of legislations for current economic development needs.
Since appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2011, Mr. Shaheen Ali, has also been appointed as Chair, to Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, Assets Fiji Limited and Skilled Professionals Evaluation Committee and has been involved in other organisations as Board Directors of the following boards:
• Fiji Airways
• Tourism Fiji
• Film Fiji
• Investment Fiji
• Fiji Investment Corporation Limited
• Viti Corp
• Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited