Consumer Council of Fiji Board of Directors;
CEO and Staff of the Consumer Council;
Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme Directors;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
We are in a time of great uncertainty with even greater challenges. The way we do business, the way we interact with consumers – all of it has changed. We have come to a point where our future is dictated by the changes we make today to adapt. Adapt, being the operative word.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today marks a significant achievement for the Consumer Council of Fiji (Council), as we officially launch the Council’s Mobile App. It comes at a time where consumers demand timeliness, flexibility and convenience.
As you’ll appreciate, the Fijian Government continues to invest significantly in digital infrastructure for businesses and Fijians to connect with each other and with the rest of the world at competitive rates.
Through initiatives such as DigitalFIJI and bizFIJI, we’re allowing Fijians to connect digitally by bringing Government services to them. We have also launched the Walesi Mobile App, where many Fijians can now enjoy live television shows and on-demand shows at their convenience and on the go.
In our fight against COVID-19, the Fijian Government recently launched the careFiji app to assist the Ministry of Health and Medical Services streamline and speed up its manual contact tracing efforts.
Ladies and Gentlemen
As I’m sure you’re aware, we recently launched the Fijian COVID Safe Economic Recovery Framework, where currently we are in Phase 2. We opened Blue Lanes to welcome yachts and pleasure crafts as part of our economic recovery. Behind the scenes, our teams continue to work hard to bring other initiatives of the Framework such as the Bula Bubble to fruition. These measures essentially mean more economic activity and more business-consumer interactions.
To further bolster economic recovery, the Hon. Minister for Economy delivered a forward looking 2020-2021 National Budget which is consumer-centric and business friendly – geared towards our economic recovery. Through numerous incentives such as: introducing tax cuts targeted to businesses and households, across-the-board reductions in customs tariffs and streamlining of processes. This will improve the ease of doing business in Fiji, making us one of the most competitive destinations for businesses.
Additionally, the National Budget catered for the reduction in fiscal and import excise duties on over 1,600 items to either zero or 5 percent so that the vast majority of imported items will now attract little to no customs duties. The removal of all stamp duties will also significantly reduce the cost of transactions undertaken by individuals and businesses, this is a leg up to encourage spending and stimulate economic activity.
As the policies trickle down to Fijians, the role of the Consumer Council of Fiji and Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission becomes even more crucial.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s consumers have unlimited choices: products and services, old and new; how we buy, online and offline. It’s a marketplace different from what it was a decade ago. In fact, it’s quite different from what it was just a few months ago.
So how do we ensure that markets continue working well for the benefit of Fijians? How do we safeguard consumers from ill-business practices and ensure the tax reforms are passed down to ordinary Fijians?
The Fijian Government remains committed to enabling a fair and safe marketplace. With grant of over $1 million in the 2020-2021 Financial Year, we will ensure the Council is able to continue best practices of advocating consumer rights and responsibilities.
During these difficult times – people are especially vulnerable. People are spending differently; businesses are pricing differently.
On that note Ladies and Gentleman,
The Complaint Management System, together with its Mobile App feature, symbolises Consumer Council of Fiji’s commitment to improving customer experience. It helps in grievance redress in a more real time basis. It gives you updated information and consumer advisory. It also highlights the rights and responsibilities of us – as consumers.
Complaint Management Systems have changed the traditional way of handling complaints in retail, education, health, travel, highlighting the significant influence technology plays in considerably altering cultural norms and individual behaviors. An evolution much required in times of physical distancing and limited movement.
This emerging trend, has equally opened opportunities for online shopping, with businesses developing applications to make it easier for consumers to shop in the comfort of their homes. As such, this App will be helpful in embedding confidence within consumers in swiftly redressing grievances.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m told this app introduces a simple and traceable way of lodging a complaint, in a real-time situation, giving consumers the assurance, that the Council has received grievances and will offer consistent support and resolution.
This newly developed Complaints Management System will relinquish the manual process of complaints management and streamline customer service management and solve complex issues in a prompt and professional manner – all of which is in line with the Fijian Government’s digital transformation agenda.
I encourage Fijians to take advantage of this App. Keep up to date of the latest consumer trends and continue to make informed decisions for yourselves.
I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the United Nations Capital Development Fund and the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme partnership for the support of $77,000 for the development of the Complaints Management System. Your support will go a long way in our bid to protect consumers throughout the country.
With these words, it is my pleasure to launch the Consumer Council of Fiji Mobile App and the Complaints Management System.
Vinaka.