The Executive Director of Outsource Fiji, Ms Sagufta Janif,
Members of BPO Council,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is a great pleasure to be here today to officiate the opening of Outsource Fiji’s new office and join you all in the talanoa session. This is a momentous occasion for Outsource Fiji and a clear sign of the importance of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO in short) industry to the Fiji Government.
There is no doubt that the BPO industry plays a significant role in supporting the national vision in the promotion of economic diversification, employment creation, income generation and talent retention.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fiji was recognised as a risk – diversification destination from investors as the Fiji Government considered BPO as an essential service. Hence, unlike the other sectors, this industry remained open for business.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The growth of the BPO industry in Fiji has been a blessing in disguise – at a time when the world was experiencing new emerging industries. The BPO industry has emerged as a game changer for the Fiji economy – employing over 8,000 people. We know that this will continue to grow.
But this comes at a time where Fijians are also leaving offshore to other countries as well. Just over the weekend I had spoken at the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants Congress that we are well aware of the mass movements abroad from our skilled tradespeople, to nurses, accountants, doctors, software developers, even drivers and machine operators.
However, I firmly believe, the Outsourcing industry in Fiji offers an attractive value proposition for young Fijians to stay back. Not only do you pay them really well but you also continue to empower them through necessary training and professional development and improve the overall quality of the industry — for this we are grateful.
As operators, you are looking for “plug and play” set up. We also acknowledge that the local infrastructure capacity needs to be improved. Whether it is suitable office space, or consistent power and network connectivity, we are working improving these areas. Even the tourism sector predicts that they will need approximately 4,000 more rooms in the future to meet their demand.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Whilst, we all look forward to the Budget announcement this week, there are some flagship projects, outside of Suva such as the Pacific Koro in Kalabu, the Telecom Centre in Tamavua and the planned Navutu Special Economic Zone, and the construction of a second submarine cable in the West, to name a few.
In the North, we have some exciting projects progressing as well. The Fiji Government is leasing out land in Savusavu for the Industrial Zone whilst Telecom Fiji Limited is laying underground fiber optic from Labasa to Savusavu and the World Bank Vanua Levu Tourism Development Project has elements of infrastructure as well.
Just last week we hosted the 23rd Asia Pacific Telecommunity Policy and Regulatory Forum. The delegates were pleasantly surprised to see the positive developments that are happening on the ground. I also had a very good meeting with the Digicel Board and Telstra executives who are keen to more explore opportunities in Fiji.
You would also note that last month Fiji concluded the Pillar II of the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), on Strengthening Supply Chains, in Detroit, USA. The IPEF includes trading partners of Fiji, which together make up 40% of the world’s GDP and 60% of the world’s population. The IPEF will introduce a myriad of opportunities in the BPO sector of the Fiji economy – as our IPEF partners look at securing and diversifying their outsourcing needs within ‘the IPEF-club”.
So Ladies and Gentlemen, there is an aura of optimism and new found confidence. The Coalition Government recognises the pivotal role that a vibrant, innovative and robust private sector participation plays in transforming Fiji’s economy.
That is why, the Fiji Government has invested and directly supported the work of Outsource Fiji. Additionally, there was an allocation of BPO industry expansion grant made available along with the tax incentives offered to our operators.
With the increasing importance of the industry, Fiji Government is committed to listen and hear your views on ‘How can we further foster a conducive eco – system for BPO and become a sustainable pillar for Fiji economy.’ Beyond that – we know that we have the potential to specialise beyond back office operations and really expand and solidify into becoming a knowledge and shared services hub for the region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming back to today’s event of the Opening of Outsource Fiji event is something I can be personally be proud off.
As I reflect, as a former Council Member on the earlier days of the Council, the humble journey started off with few passionate likeminded people having meetings in coffee shops, to opening the Council banks account and even personally meeting some expenses to keep the Council going, those were the building blocks and foundations to where we stand today.
Today the office has grown to fully fledged Council that includes staff, board rooms, meeting rooms and most importantly, it has funds. There is also a strategic plan in place. So Congratulations to the Outsource Fiji team in bringing us this far.
The Fiji Government will rely on the Council to be your collective voice for strategies and policy interventions. Hence – this is your Council.
Your presence today signifies your support for the Outsource Fiji Office. Therefore, please continue to support and work with your Council with the collective agreement to grow the industry.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.