The President and members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Distinguished business leaders,
Invited guests,
Ladies and gentlemen
Good evening and Cola Vina
Introduction
Tonight marks my first official address to the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Minister of Finance, Commerce and Business Development— and I cannot think of a more fitting place to begin.
The Nadi Chamber of Commerce has long been one of Fiji’s most dynamic and influential business bodies. Your voice, your activism, and your leadership have shaped not just the Western Division, but Fiji’s economic direction as a whole. For this, I offer my sincere appreciation.
Nadi is not merely a gateway for global visitors — it is a gateway for ambition. It is a centre of innovation, enterprise, resilience, and opportunity. And the Nadi Chamber of Commerce has consistently provided the platform upon which these strengths have flourished. You have built networks, nurtured ideas, encouraged bold investments, and stood firm for progress.
The Role of Nadi Chamber of Commerce in Nation-Building
The Nadi Chamber of Commerce does more than represent businesses — it strengthens the backbone of Fiji’s economy.
Your policy submissions, your engagement with small and large enterprises, and your insistence on improving the business environment have enabled the government to understand the real needs of the private sector. You have kept us accountable. You have sharpened our focus. You have ensured that Nadi remains a vibrant, competitive commercial hub.
Let me state plainly: the private sector is the engine of our economy — and institutions like Nadi Chamber of Commerce keep that engine running at full strength.
Strengthening Fiji’s Business Environment
Allow me to reaffirm this with absolute clarity:
This Government is pro-business. This Government welcomes investment. This Government will protect and cultivate enterprise.
Fiji’s economy has come a long way, transforming from post-pandemic recovery to a resilient powerhouse poised for its fourth straight year of growth in 2025. With liquidity at $2.2 billion, broad money expanding by 10.9%, private sector credit rising 9.6%, and foreign reserves steady at $3.8 billion, the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) projects a robust 3.4% expansion—up from the earlier 3.2% forecast. These indicators reflect prudent monetary policies and renewed investor confidence, building on tourism rebounds, agricultural stability, and remittance inflows that have cushioned external shocks.
Looking ahead, diversification remains key to sustainable progress, much like building a house where sturdy foundations take time but endure. We’re shifting from over-reliance on tourism and sugar toward high-value sectors like renewable energy, digital services, and niche manufacturing, ensuring the economy weathers global uncertainties. The ongoing work—through infrastructure investments, skills training, and trade partnerships—will sustain this momentum, fostering inclusive growth for generations to come.
We understand that economic transformation does not happen from government offices alone. It happens in factories, on farms, in workshops, hotels, labs, and boardrooms. It happens through people like you — those willing to take risks, to innovate, to invest.
That’s why we are dedicated to creating a regulatory environment that is predictable, transparent, and supportive. In line with this commitment, the Government recently introduced and passed several important Bills in Parliament during the last session—covering Environment Management, Town Planning, and Public Health. These updates not only modernise our policies but also ensure smooth compliance with our new digital building permit approval system.
You will not face policies that are menacing, burdensome, or antagonistic to business.
Our role is not to block the road — it is to clear the path ahead.
Where processes are cumbersome, we will simplify them.
Where systems are outdated, we will modernise them.
Where policies deter growth, we will redesign them.
Unleashing Local Investment
Foreign investment is important — but let me be clear: Fiji’s future will be built by Fijians.
Our own entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, hoteliers, and service providers are the foundation of our economic strength. Your success strengthens local supply chains, sustains communities, creates jobs, and drives long-term prosperity.
And as your Minister of Finance, Commerce and Business Development, I assure you: We will champion your success.
We will support local businesses with targeted incentives, smarter policies, and practical tools that help you grow, expand, and innovate.
Productivity, Technology, and Skills
But growth requires more than goodwill — it requires bold shifts in productivity, technology, and skills.
We must embrace advanced technologies.
We must invest in modern training.
We must address skill shortages before they become economic constraints.
We must support industries that are ready to transform our national landscape.
The government is actively exploring targeted reforms — reforms that are practical, business-driven, and aligned with global competitiveness.
Supporting MSMEs and Co-operatives — the First Movers of Growth
Let me make this unmistakable:
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will be protected, supported, and empowered.
MSMEs are often the first to create jobs, the first to innovate, and the first to energise local economies. We will ensure they have the policies, capital, and opportunities they need to scale up sustainably.
The Ministry will be launching the MSME Strategic Plan and MSME Database to strengthen support for MSMEs, enhance data-driven decision-making, and drive sustainable growth across the sector – working towards achieving 40% contribution towards the Gross Domestic Product by 2030.
A Partnership for the Decade Ahead
Ladies and gentlemen, Fiji’s success in the next decade will come from a strong partnership between government and the private sector. Not opposition. Not indifference. Partnership.
As your Minister of Finance, Commerce and Business Development, I commit to:
- Enhance investor confidence;
- Simplify business and tax processes;
- Modernise our tax and regulatory systems;
- Position Fiji as a strategic, competitive investment hub — regionally and globally.
We must send a bold message to the world:
Fiji welcomes investment.
But more importantly, we must send a louder message to our own people:
Your ideas matter. Your businesses matter. Your ambitions matter.
This economy is ready for you.
Conclusion
As we gather tonight, let us honour the work of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the resilience of our business community, and renew our shared commitment to building a stronger, smarter, more prosperous Fiji.
To every entrepreneur, every business owner, every worker, and every partner of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce — thank you. Your contribution is the heartbeat of our economy.
Together, let us push boundaries, seize opportunities, and shape a future worthy of Fiji’s potential.
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you, and I wish you all an inspiring and successful evening.