The Partner Enterprise KPMG Australia, Ms Naomi Mitchell,
Managing Partner KPMG Fiji, Ms Lisa Apted,
Staff of KPMG Fiji,
Industry Captains and Invited Guests,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is a great pleasure to be here today to officially open KPMG’s office in Nadi.
Not long ago I met many of you at the Fiji Institute of Accountants 51st Congress – thereon your Government has taken the very first steps in building the New Fiji, by passing the 2023-2024 National Budget.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji’s economy is projected to grow by 8 percent this year and 3.4 percent in 2024 and a further 3 percent in 2025 – and to be very honest, it simply is ours for the taking!
This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Partners and Staff of KPMG in Fiji – so I am delighted to support you all on this professional journey. With greater reason, Fiji needs more firms like KPMG to provide exceptional financial solutions, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and grow long-lasting relationships built on trust.
To the Staff of KPMG, under the leadership and guidance of your Managing Partners – always remember the financial landscape is ever-changing and your professional career must be built upon commitment to providing tailor-made financial services that meet the diverse needs of individuals, small businesses, and corporations alike.
As a Chartered Accountant myself — and one with a lot of years of experience (I hope that does not give away how long I’ve been around), the most valuable advice I can impart, is that – your responsibility remains ensuring that your clients receive the best advice and guidance to make informed decisions for their financial future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am told KPMG in Fiji has undergone significant transformation in the last 24 months. Following its integration into the Australian firm, I am pleased to know that KPMG Fiji has expanded its services into outsourced service delivery – known as Fiji Dynamix – FDX to KPMG’s Enterprise clients in Australia.
Additionally, the acquisition of “Acton Fiji” – a local technology business, offers services to KPMG’s Enterprise clients in Australia through its Fiji Digital Transformation – FDT team, supporting the fast-growing need for business intelligence solutions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the Minister for Trade and a champion for diversifying our economic opportunities, KPMG’s FJ6 million investment in this Nadi office is a clear indication of KPMG’s confidence and commitment towards contributing to Fiji’s economic diversification.
This is just the genesis of the potential Martintar offers as part of its professional capabilities. Martintar has traditionally been recognised as the entertainment district of Nadi, a bustling and exciting area which acts as a hub for both locals and tourists. So this new office expands Martintar’s sophisticated offering, a great feat for celebration!
Overall, you are contributing to solidifying Fiji as a regional hub by offering these services.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This Nadi office is home to “Fiji Dynamix” – a fast growing remote working site where people have the freedom to choose where and how to work based on personal working styles, I think – this a fantastic concept for developing a workforce that is agile and one that develops high-achieving leaders in the accounting industry.
Coming back to today’s event, I thank the Managing Partners and the Executive Team of KPMG Australia and Fiji for being a driving force behind this endeavour. Once again, thank you all for gracing this occasion with your presence.
As the team embarks on this journey, under your leadership and guidance I wish you all the very best of success in setting new benchmarks in the accounting industry. Please join us in celebrating the shared vision of success which will become the backbone of this firm.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.