Achieving sustained growth through productivity requires the retention of a highly educated work force.

Fiji National University Council Chancellor and Chairman, Ikbal Jannif stressed this point while speaking to participants at the 22nd National Convention on Quality in Nadi yesterday.

He said Government has recognised this issue through the national budget in the increase of salary for skilled and specialised workforce such as doctors and teachers.

The quality story in Fiji, Mr Jannif noticed, was very clear and that local organisations have embraced quality and productivity increasing their profitability.

“Those that have sought training for their circles, and continually undertaken improvement projects have developed sustainable quality circle programmes to guide them through the journey of achieving quality,” he added.

Mr Jannif said that some initiatives by Government have become catalysts of growth and development for our economy.

He said Government had promoted productivity through grants given to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) for new business to start.

“Scholarships and the introduction of the loan scheme for tertiary students are investment in education to have a better knowledge, although those receiving loans will have to repay.

“The by-products are: new business growth, increased productivity, improved employee morale, greater efficiency, higher customer satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, improved employee health and safety and overall better working conditions,” Mr Jannif added.

The future of productivity, he said, would describe the future in which we would like to live in.

“Environmentally responsible productivity gains that are driven by technology, knowledge and skills, provide the workforce with the tools to challenge and benefit from the digital age,” he said.

arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj