Representatives of the Business Processing Outsourcing Council of Fiji,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It is a pleasure joining you all today and sharing insights with you, as to why businesses find “Fiji an ideal outsourcing destination”. It is no secret what Fiji and the Fijian Government have to offer to capture the best in the industry.
The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is integral to Fiji’s position as a vibrant and connected hub. Over the years, we have seen Fiji grow into an emerging “nearshoring mecca”.
Not to forget, the sector has had its fair share of troubles, especially noting the immense disruption faced at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the case globally, not only in Fiji.
But in Fiji, we were ready to do things differently and progressively. We commend our businesses for having demonstrated extraordinary passion, resilience, and ingenuity to re-imagine the way they operate, their offerings and experiences.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A number of businesses that outsourced to other parts of the world felt the wrath of the pandemic with strenuous lockdowns. The BPOs in Fiji remained open for business, hinging on our high vaccination rates and COVID safe practices. In fact, business grew during the pandemic, as Fiji was the better and available option due to the Government’s smart and swift policies.
The Fijian Government has set the path for a sustainable economy. An economy built on the pillars of resilience and diversification.
A few days ago, the Hon. Prime Minister launched the Bula Outsourcing Head Office in Fiji. We see this as continued confidence to invest in us.
He spoke about our natural time zone advantage, our world-class ICT infrastructure, our policies, our competitive costs, attractive tax incentives – and of course – our people.
We also had the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, representing the Fijian Government at the 6th Customer Contact Week Awards in Gold Coast, to recognise the contribution of the Australian and New Zealand BPO operators.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our vision is to develop Fiji as a value adding BPO hub. To support this – we have a 10, 15, 20–year tax holiday for investment in infrastructure with the investments of $2 million to over $10 million and a duty concession package.
With a young, dynamic workforce, 300 Fijians were awarded BPO Training at Fiji National University. Our people are our greatest asset and we’ll continue investing in them.
So I encourage participants to reach out to my team during the panel discussion should you wish to know more about these Government initiatives.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji also very recently eased its entry conditions – making it even easier for anyone in the world to visit Fiji for business and leisure.
We have also seen existing BPO operators branching out of call centres to Knowledge Process Outsourcing, as well as Information Technology Outsourcing — the largest opportunity where supply and demand are aligned is in the BPO sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Both the Australian and New Zealand markets have a sizable appetite for outsourcing services, ranging from call centres or back office support. These markets are worth billions of dollars and approximately 27 percent of their outsourcing business go offshore.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government is also working on the ‘Plug and Play’ approach in the development of a special economic zone in Lautoka, in the Western Division of the main island. Having in place all the necessary supporting infrastructure and utilities to suit the demands of potential investors.
Ultimately, this economic zone will enable Fiji to capitalise on digital infrastructure, the knowledge base in that region and the close proximity to the sea and air ports to further the nearshore concept.
Whilst costs are not necessarily the driving factor for outsourcing, Fiji has a lot more to offer, from the likes of our Customer Experience and Young Active Workforce.
The ‘Outsource Fiji’ Brand, has done a tremendous job in connecting possible customers like you, to Fiji’s unique selling proposition. A brand representing an industry, which is innovative and futuristic — carrying the “Bula Experience”.
There are approximately 7,000 Fijians employed in the BPO sector. In a decade we anticipate 100,000 graduates who are tech-savvy and knowledgeable joining the sector.
This would represent 133 percent increase since 2019. An indication of the vast opportunity the BPO industry has in Fiji.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Major international BPO brands are now operating in Fiji, along with a number of small businesses and in-house offshore operations. Centercom is one of these major players with a capacity of 480 seats on a rotating three shift basis.
It is a proven fact that strategic training sessions for employees (in any business sector) can pave the way for efficient operations and profitability.
Let’s acknowledge the fact that many successful BPO companies worldwide are cautiously taking actions to nourish the skills of employees. That is why, the Fiji National University developed Fiji’s first-ever basic operations in a call centre to empower and improve our quality of services to the world.
Having said that, we must recognise the importance of improving local capacity and capability through Call Centres in Fiji. Upskilling customer services makes us competitive with international call centre standards, and remains a key comparative advantage.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a nutshell, Fiji has adapted and is now thriving in the BPO sector. Our Fijian companies are adapting to the changes each day.
We have ongoing innovations for ease of doing business. This is complemented by the Fijian Government through great incentives and infrastructure development. Overall, making Fiji very lucrative and a hub for investment.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Those operating in Fiji have made the right business choice. Those who are new, this is your opportunity to get in early and carve your niche in the Fijian Sector.
I hope today’s webinar gets you a step closer to making the decision of choosing Fiji.
Vinaka vakalevu and thank you.