Venue: FCEF BOARD ROOM ,42 Gorrie Street, Suva
Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Mr. Shaheen Ali,
Presidents of Professional Associations,
Association Members,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here to officiate at today’s grant handover ceremony, which is the Fijian Government’s Ministry’s effort to support professional Associations in the country.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The role of professional Associations are no longer just a group of like-minded professionals getting together. Associations are avenue for professionals and industries to share information, build knowledge and capacity, undertake research and collaborate on industry-related standards.
The Fijian Government has always emphasized the need for professionals and industries to be organized in groups and associations as it leads to a collective voice for the industry.
Furthermore, the Government has continued to state that there is need to promote competitiveness and improvement of standards of professionals. In this regard, the Ministry had undertaken consultations with professionals and industries on their needs, which led to $90,000 being allocated as grant to professional bodies.
Therefore, this grant to the 5 professional bodies is a means of Government’s support for these bodies to integrate service delivery standards, professional conduct and standards and training and upskilling for their members.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am happy to announce that the five professional associations that have been selected by Government to be the first recipients of this grant facility are:
- The Fiji Institution of Engineers
- The Fiji Architects Association
- The Fiji Masters Builders Association
- The Fiji Institute of Quantity Surveyors and
- The Association of Registered Hairdressers and Beauticians
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We all are aware that the 2016-2017 budget focused on promoting inclusivity and broad based growth so that we are not risking the growth due to our dependence on one or two sectors only.
In this regard, the building and construction sector is the most crucial contributor to the economy. As the economy continues to expand and new industries emerge, it is very important that the players in this sector are able to stand the test of time.
Therefore, the Ministry saw the need to support the 4 associations from the building and construction sector. There have been shortfalls and gaps identified in terms of standards, service delivery and skills shortage. It is therefore, important that players in the construction sector come together in an organized group to address their industries concerns and shortfall. They need to make representation to the Fijian Government in a collective manner not as a divided groups that want to serve their interests only.
At this juncture, I wish to commend the support of the Fiji Institution of Engineers (FIE) in the rebuild phase following cyclone Winston. Institute is also working closely with the relevant Government agencies and the national standards body to enhance building standards.
Cyclone Winston also posed enormous challenges on Fiji’s architectural capability and proficiency. The Fiji Architects Associations optimistically took on this challenge head-on, to drive excellence in designing buildings in Fiji.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji experienced a boom in the construction industry in Fiji over the past few years and this is expected to continue in the coming years. Therefore, I would like to remind us all that the importance of builders cannot be compromised or undermined.
However, with the shortage of skilled labour the construction industry is facing at the moment, Government and the private sector are working closing together to address this. This has led to the setting up of technical colleges by Government. In return, we expect expertise in this industry to broaden and number of experts to increase in the coming years.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While still on the construction industry, cost control is an important aspect. The Fiji Institute of Quantity Surveyors is entrusted to facilitate all tasks relating to the costing of building projects.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government wants to instill standards in the services sector. Therefore, apart from the Construction and building sector, we saw it important to support the initiatives of the Association of Registered Hairdressers and Beauticians is committed to addressing these concerns by raising the standard of delivery for all practitioners. For this reason, Government commends the commitment shown by the Association and believes that the industry could contribute greatly to the development of the nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Like all of the Fijian Government’s initiatives and programme the Grants to Professional bodies also has a monitoring mechanism. This Grant is not a handout that will be given and forgotten about. We will ensure that all professional bodies are accountable for the funds provided to them and they achieve the set targets.
Therefore, the Ministry will conduct a post-disbursement monitoring and verification exercise, which will monitor the progress made in your Associations.
I urge you all to seize the opportunity that has been given. Work as hard as you can and use your imagination to think of new ways to make your business grow. Use the funds wisely and for the purpose it has been given to you. Remember, the Fijian people through their Government, have placed their trust in you and count on you to uphold that trust.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Great things lie ahead for our beloved nation if we stay focused on the task ahead of building the Fiji we all dream off – confident and strong – a nation of opportunities for everyone.
With those words, I wish all the Associations well in their business ventures.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.