Accelerated growth and progress

THE Suva Retailers Association is excited to celebrate the 49th year of our Independence Day.

Fiji has come a long way from the colonial days and after independence.

Over the years we have had accelerated growth and development especially in our economy.

Our nation is evolving with modern times.

We are now living in the digital age, where information is on our finger tips enabling us to communicate instantly with our friends and families here in Fiji or around the world.

The digital infrastructure has come a long way from 15 years ago.

Our country is the hub of the South Pacific and neighbouring islands look towards us as an example. Our leaders are leading the fight against climate change which is the most fundamental issue facing humanity right now.

Our society and demographics has also changed over time. As we head towards the 50th year of independence in 2020, 70 per cent of Fijians are under the age of 40 and will lead us into the new decade.

With any changes and growth comes growing pains and as a progressive society, we need to take that in our stride.

Business and commerce in Fiji are also changing to adjust with the changing needs of our consumers.

We now have more shops and businesses than ever, offering all sorts of products and services which were not available before.

We also have deregulated shopping hours and many new shopping centres in and outside of our cities and towns some of which operate seven days to meet the citizens’ demand.

We the Suva Retailers are proud Fijians and we would like to wish all our fellow Fijians here and abroad a Happy Fiji Day.