Five professional bodies received a $90,000 boost to integrate service delivery standards, professional and up skill their members.

The cheque handover was officiated by the Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Siddiq Koya yesterday at the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation Boardroom.

Mr Koya said the role of professional association was no longer just a group of like-minded professionals getting together.

“Associations are avenue for professionals and industries to share information, build knowledge and capacity, undertake research and collaborate on industry-related standards.

“The Fijian Government has always emphasised the need for professionals and industries to be organised in groups and associations as it leads to a collective voice for the industry.

“Furthermore, the Government has continued to state that there is need to promote competitiveness and improvement of standards of professionals.

“In this regard, the ministry had undertaken consultations with professionals and industries on their needs, which led to $90,000 being allocated as grant to professional bodies.

“Therefore, this grant to the five professional bodies is a means of Government’s support for these bodies to integrate service delivery standards, professional conduct and standards and training and upskilling for their members.

“I am happy to announce that the five professional associations that have been selected by Government to be the first recipients of this grant facility are:

• The Fiji Institution of Engineers – $30,000
• The Fiji Architects Association- $20,000
• The Fiji Masters Builders Association – $10,000
• The Fiji Institute of Quantity Surveyors $10,000
• The Association of Registered Hairdressers and Beauticians: $20,000

Post-disbursement monitoring and verification exercise

Like all of the Fijian Government’s initiatives and programme the grants to professional bodies also has a monitoring mechanism.

Mr Koya said: “This grant is not a handout that will be given and forgotten about.

“We will ensure that all professional bodies are accountable for the funds provided to them and they achieve the set targets.

“The ministry would conduct a post-disbursement monitoring and verification exercise, which will monitor the progress made in your associations.

“I urge you all to seize the opportunity that has been given. Work as hard as you can and use your imagination to think of new ways to make your business grow.

“Use the funds wisely and for the purpose it has been given to you. Remember, the Fijian people through their Government have placed their trust in you and count on you to uphold that trust.

“Great things lie ahead for our beloved nation if we stay focused on the task ahead of building the Fiji we all dream off  confident and strong  a nation of opportunities for everyone.”

Mr Koya highlighted that the 2016-2017 budget focused on promoting inclusivity and broad-based growth.