Discussions continue with Government and stakeholders
To ascertain current status quo in response to COVID-19, the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya, this week held a series of consultations with private sector representatives. They included the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) and the Construction Industry Council.
Industry representatives were assured the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport’s (Ministry) will continue being at the forefront of private sector reforms.
Members of the industry were further informed that the Fijian Government is looking at all possible steps and policy changes to ensure the Fijian economy remains steadfast, especially during this global pandemic.
The meeting with FCCI and FCEF also discussed Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) support.
Mr Koya confirmed the Ministry’s commitment in assisting MSMEs through incentives announced by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in Fiji’s Supplementary COVID-19 Response
Budget in March.
In addition, results of the Ministry and International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) joint business survey on the impact of COVID-19 will also allow for a co-ordinated approach towards the revival and survival of the Fijian private sector.
Further emphasised was the need to utilise and encourage local skills in business. Businesses and employers were also encouraged to use this time to up skill their human resources and invest in locals to undertake courses through tertiary institutes.
Under current circumstances, industry representatives were reminded to focus on survival strategies as the foremost step to recovery of businesses and job security of employees.
Discussions concluded with the Minister assuring the private sector that the Fijian Government is prepared to assist Fijian citizens and Fijian businesses with the collaboration of the Ministry to overcome this crisis.