Location: Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Ministers and Senior Government Officials
President – Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation;
Board and Management teams;
Chief Executive – Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation;
Top Executives – Public and Private Sectors;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
Before I begin, I want to express the condolences of the Fijian Government on the passing away of Mr Dixon Seeto. Dixon was a very dear friend and an industry representative, who had the interest of the nation at heart. He was always ready to assist when called upon.
Apart from being an ardent tourism advocate, he was always keen to support Government initiatives, that encouraged small entrepreneurs and our youth.
Dixon will be missed and the vacuum he has left by his sudden and untimely departure, may be hard to replace.
Dixon believed in partnership and that by working together, we can maintain the strong economic growth.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I want to focus on how partnership and close collaboration between the business community, citizens and the Fijian Government, will elevate Fiji’s transformation.
We have to ensure that the overall national vision of Transforming Fiji, as set out in the 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plans, encompass the “business perspective” of transforming Fiji.
The private sector, the public sector and the population at large must team up to help achieve this Vision.
It is only through this shared vision that we will be able to continue growth for the benefit of all Fijians.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Transformation cannot just be done with the use of new technology or through digital innovation. We need a transformation of mindset. Transformation of attitude. And, transformation of processes and practices.
As we embrace digital innovation, we need to think big and make changes to the way we do things.
In setting the vision of providing Fijians and private sector with steady, better quality and accessible Government services, the Fijian Government has undertaken in-depth transformation.
Public sector Business transformation started with the basics focusing on the services and business solutions anticipated by the evolving client needs – whether it’s private sector or citizens.
To start with, Government agencies reviewed their processes. Agencies themselves identified the problems and provided solutions. Redesigned processes were developed, which was followed by redesigning of forms.
Today, we have key services online. All of you present here and prospective investors, can now very easily reserve a business name and register their companies online. You can get information on starting a business and obtaining construction permits at one spot – bizFIJI.
In about two years, business and construction licensing will be done online. This means you apply online and approvals are given online. You will also be able to track the status of your application.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
When launching the DigitalFIJI mobile application last year, the Honourable Prime Minister stated that Fiji was on its way to transforming how Fijians engaged with each other and with their Government.
Fijians now have services, such as, birth registration in the palms of their hands. They do not have to stand in long queues to access services. They can simply register online and confirm an appointment time to pick up their certificates.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government genuinely believes that the private sector is the engine of growth. The Government is therefore provider of the conducive environment, where you can do your business.
To continue providing a conducive environment for doing business in Fiji, the Fijian Government announced several initiatives and policies to transform the Fijian economy.
The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism is leading the improvement of doing business processes. We are also modernising our environment for investors. As laid out in our Investment Policy Statement, we are committed to non-discrimination between domestic and foreign investors, securing investor rights, transparency in dealing with investors and providing investment facilitation and aftercare.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Public Investment has certainly seen economic growth pattern remaining positive over the years. This Conference is very important from the context of, making a positive impact in steering our National Economy.
Town and Cities greatly contribute towards the economic development of any country and Fiji is no exception. Government’s heavy contribution technically and in asset development demonstrates, the leadership belief in progressing our Towns and Cities to greater height.
Government, parallel to progressing the redevelopment of existing towns and cities under urban renewal programme, is also in the process of developing satellite Town Centres to support extreme rural dwellers (distance wise). Nabouwalu, Seaqaqa, Vunisea at Kadavu, Keiyasi at Sigatoka and Korovou are part of this programme.
Government’s commitment in developing Town Centres certainly requires an equal dedication by the Private Sector, which play a significant role in economically shaping a Town or City.
Hence, Private – Public Partnership in urban development is seen important and I encourage you all to take time out and discuss ways and means in which you could play a more proactive role in making our Town and City Centres bustling and vibrant. And as Minister for Local Government, I will be more than happy to receive your collective thoughts at the end of this conference.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Some of the key areas where contribution of the Private Sector is important are:
-
- Beautifying and keeping our Towns and Cities clean. The Fijian Government has contributed massively in urban infrastructure such as footpaths and roads including sports fields. The Private Sector’s support in this area is crucial, as it ensures that buildings are upgraded and well maintained. In this regard, Government has announced tax concessions for the upgrading of commercial buildings.
-
- To promote night life, window dressing and shop veranda lights are important.
-
- Business Networking is another area where contribution from the Private Sector is important. The spirit to collectively work commercially to improve a town’s life, needs to be looked into by Town or City Entrepreneurs. I believe that the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has the ability and leverage, to drive new strategic dimensions in strengthening Business Networking at all 13 established Town Centres.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming back to today’s event, I wish to emphasise that partnership, dialogue and commitment are crucial for the transformation and sustainable long-term growth of the Fijian economy. We need to work together to do this.
I wish to reiterate that the Fijian Government alone cannot transform Fiji. We need the commitment and ownership of the policies and reforms, from the people of Fiji, especially the business community.
The business community must be ready to take on the new way on which the Government is doing business and contribute to the process of improvement, not just be an uninterested bystander.
I look forward to TOPEX discussing ways in which we can further enhance the successful collaboration between the business community and the Fijian Government.
With those words, I wish you well in your discussions and deliberations and it gives me great pleasure to officially open the 2019 Top Executive Conference.
Thank you. Vinaka vakalevu. Dhanyawad