The 2016/2017 Budget has encouraged the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry as it now hopes to capitalise on some of Government initiatives.

To kick start, the chamber will host the Fiji Business Forum tomorrow at the Holiday Inn in Suva.

Chamber vice-president, Nur Bano Ali, said: “This forum agenda is usually focussing on presentations to the Budget or discussions on the Budget.

“We noted from the Budget address the past month, some key areas of focus for Government includes expanding our economic base and realising the potential of small and medium enterprises.

“We understand there is going to be a council set up for that purpose to be chaired by the Prime Minister.

“The Fiji Chamber of Commerce wants to capitalise on these initiatives and partner with Government and support these kind of initiatives because our focus is growing business in Fiji.

“Our forum theme is ‘Growing Businesses in Fiji’ because we see Government is intending to do that so we want to just ride on the back of the same momentum and be partnered with them.

“In the end, that’s what the Fiji Chamber of Commerce is all about and our concern is to grow businesses and to realise all the potential that we possibly have in that area.”

Speakers

Amongst the speakers will be the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya.

Ms Ali said the chamber wanted both these Ministers to attend because that was where the their liaison points were.

“We believe our input is useful and they are taking heed of what we’re saying and now is the time to work with them for the growth of business,” she said.

As announced in the Budget, Government is planning on having all the Ministries do their three- year Budget forecast to look at things in a more longer term.

Ms Ali said they hope to play a role in this as well.

The chamber is expecting 150 to 200 people to attend this forum which will involve the private sector in the process.

The forum has been sponsored by British American Tobacco and Fijian Holdings Limited.

Ms Ali said they wanted to hear from Government on how they plan to expand our economic base and at the same time contribute from their end where they feel can be developed.

Interaction

Fiji Chamber of Commerce vice-president Nouzab Fareed, said: “There will be a lot of questions and answers and a lot of interactive discussions and that is one special feature of these sorts of forum,” he said.

“We are thankful for all the ministers that have agreed to come at a short notice.

“At the end of the forum, we will be making an official communication with the public sharing with the media what exactly has happened and what is the chamber’s view on how we want to take this to the next level.”

EDITED BY: RACHNA LAL

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