Chair Dr Abdul Hassan and Board members of the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board,
Respected Permanent Secretaries,
Chief Executive Officers,
Executives from the Real Estate Association,
Members of the Media,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and very good morning to you all.
I recall at the 3rd Real Estate Agents Conference early this year, I highlighted the Real Estate Licensing Board’s (REALB) efforts in modernising its processes to create digitally-enabled services.
Today, I’m delighted to officiate the launch of what can only be described as a milestone for REALB.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The REALB has been working on five critical projects to improve service delivery, enhance organisational capacity and foster real estate industry compliance.
Now, as part of these projects, which we will launch today, we witness REALB’s new logo, their 2022 – 2025 Strategic Plan, revamped website, an Online Agents Licensing Portal and the National Property Sales Database (NATPRO).
So congratulations — I am proud of the achievement here today.
The REALB, a relatively small organisation, has shown resilience, innovation and determination to develop the Online Agents licensing portal, with the commitment to digitise their processes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This transformation is an investment by the Fijian Government to align REALB with international best practices. It furthers the Government’s agenda to increase transparency and modernise REALB’s operations so that we may serve our stakeholders – the public – more efficiently.
An investment in a revamped website may seem like a small one, but its impact is much greater. Now, the public and agents can easily access credible information. This will enable agents and salespersons to confidently refer potential buyers to REALB’s website for verification purposes; because now the legitimacy and authenticity of the licenses of these agents can be easily verified.
This also gives confidence to potential buyers to engage with these agents and salespersons – reducing any uncertainty and doubt in the market.
Today, is a step towards building an organisation of the future. One that is responsive to customer needs and provides prompt aftercare services to their agents. We also aim to take the services to ordinary Fijians to ensure that information is readily and easily accessible.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The real estate industry plays a pivotal role in reviving and rejuvenating the Fijian economy’s recovery and development, by providing an enabling environment in the properties market.
It also engages Fijians and provides critical linkage with other sectors. We continue to create a conducive environment to enable access to affordable homes for the Fijian people.
With the new vision of “A Better Real Estate Experience for All”, it is my hope that REALB continues to aspire to contribute more positively to the real estate sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On many fronts, we are at crossroads for a renewed, more sustainable, and resilient economy. And what this requires is strategic thinking.
The REALB’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan sets out strategic priorities to improve and move the real estate industry forward by:
- Building a robust curriculum to enhance real estate agents and salesperson’s knowledge the quality of services;
- Creating awareness and advocating best practices through policies, buyers guide and a code of conduct; and
- A review of the Real Estate Act to enable a strategic view to unlock opportunities, with the core aim to promote consumer protection and enforce high standards of professionalism in the real estate industry.
These strategic priorities will complement our national vision of ‘Transforming Fiji’ to enhance the efficiency of compliance and increase the standard of information provided to Fijians interested in the real estate industry.
Most importantly, it will foster a culture of service excellence. Essentially, this will boost the private sector’s confidence, augmenting the building blocks of a strong sustainable Fijian economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The real estate sector is a driver for economic development and with the ease of restriction and business activity gaining momentum, investment activity is expected to increase. This is a great time to launch these initiatives as Fiji prepares to open its borders – sending a positive signal that we are “Investment-Ready”.
That means, making the investment market for potential foreigners more attractive and building that much needed investor confidence. Steering into the right direction, these initiatives will lure investors into Fiji, fueling the construction sector as well as the financial sector. Giving rise to quality real estate and create job opportunities for many Fijians.
As the Minister responsible for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, we aim to be innovative and create opportunities that will further Fijian Government’s agenda in building a prosperous economy. Such projects like the National Property Sales Database signify our commitment to promote high standards of service and provide information to consumers and the industry to keep them better informed.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With those few words, once again, I congratulate REALB and the Board. We look forward to REALB keeping momentum in further upgrading their operations, with the legislation review and real estate educational curriculum to be introduced soon.
Chair and the Board, I hope to see this being rolled out to complement today’s launch and ensure the much-needed impact on the industry as we build a better Fiji.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.