Westpac Banking Corporation Fiji general manager, Brett Hooker, said the company had survived its first 200 years because it had been guided by the same purpose.

This purpose is to provide stability, to support customers and communities and to help grow the economy.

During the bank’s 200 year anniversary celebration over a morning tea at the bank’s Labasa branch yesterday, Paul Jaduram and Kiran Reddy, who are prominent businessmen, applauded the bank’s commitment to its customers.

Mr Reddy, the director of Kinis Allied Industries, said he could still recall Westpac’s support when his company’s bulk store was destroyed in a fire in 2015.

“At that time the Westpac Labasa branch manager came while my bulk was on fire and immediately gave me a hug and assured me that they are there to assist me,” Mr Reddy said.

“At that moment the quick support I received was valuable to me.

“I had lot of problems with other banks but since I joined Westpac I am not facing any difficulty,” Mr Jaduram said.

“Thank you Westpac for your commitment and dedication.”

Mr Hooker said: “I truly believe that Westpac has survived and thrived because it has been guided by the same purpose over its first 200 years; that is to provide stability, to support customers and communities, and to help grow the economy.

“This has been possible because of the support of our valued customers, regulators, stakeholders and our very skilled, committed and dedicated staff.”

Westpac started operations in Fiji in 1901 under its then name Bank of New South Wales.