Industries Diversifying Into New Areas Depict Effective Collaboration
It is encouraging to note that Fijian industries are diversifying into new areas such as container depot and hygiene services and have capitalised on the forward looking and pro-growth policies of the Fijian Government.
The Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism Shaheen Ali made the statement during the 25th anniversary of the United Containers Fiji Limited at Rokobili yard, Suva last Friday.
“This story not only demonstrates the ability of Fijians to provide services to international shipping lines, but also depicts an effective collaboration between Fijian and international businesses,” Mr Ali said.
It is simply, he said was a perfect example of how Fijian businesses can stamp their mark in the international arena.
“Provision of container depot service plays an important role in facilitating trade,” he said.
UCFL like other agencies also provide cleaning, repairing, pre-shipment inspections and other services enabling consignments from Fiji accepted at their final destinations.
“It is vital that providers of depot and container hygiene services comply with industry best practices and standards.
“We have seen over the years that negligence of certain service providers has led to consignments from Fiji being subject to inception and additional scrutiny at international borders.
“Operators have the role to ensure that standards and quality of service are maintained and that Fiji’s status as a regional hub is not compromised.
“The vision is to further strengthen Fiji’s position as a modern transportation and transhipment hub set out in the five and 20 year National Development Plan.
“Fijian Government will ensure that you have the relevant infrastructure and policy framework, it is the cooperation and collaboration from private sector that is important to guarantee that we continue to realise this vision.
“As the Fijian economy continues to grow, Government is committed to attracting new and innovative business sectors in order to build resilience and continue the rapid economic transformation,” he said.
United Containers Fiji limited (UCFL) employs over 50 staff and has three depots comparable to international standards at Rokobili and Baro subdivision in Suva and Velovelo in Lautoka.
