Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association (FHTA) last night congratulated Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, and his FijiFirst party on their success in the 2018 elections.

They joined a growing number of industry bodies looking forward to the stability and economic growth brought by FijiFirst continuing.

FHTA said it looks forward to working closely with the new FijiFirst Government over the next four years to achieve continued and sustainable economic growth and development of the tourism industry.

FHTA, a key body of the country’s biggest industry, will continue to work in close consultation and co-operation with the relevant Government ministries and other stakeholders.

These include Tourism Fiji, SOFTA (Society of Fiji Travel Associates) and Fiji Airways.

This is to achieve the projected outcomes for the industry and the economy.

The tourism body is encouraged by President Major-General (ret’d) Jioji Konrote’s appeal for the people of Fiji to unite to achieve a common goal and “come together for the benefit of all our people”.

FHTA president, Dixon Seeto, said the association will continue working collaboratively with Government and the various stakeholders to ensure that the benefits and financial returns from the tourism industry are maximised. This while spreading the positives of the tourism industry throughout Fiji through the National and Tourism Development Plans.

He said: “The tourism industry’s importance and contribution to the national economy cannot be ignored given its prominent position in the economy in terms of employment, foreign exchange earnings and is already 40 per cent of the GDP and rapidly growing.

“We congratulate all successful candidates for Parliament and the Fijian people on a successful election.”

The Textile Clothing & Footwear Industry Council of Fiji

The Textile Clothing & Footwear Industry Council of Fiji (TCF) is happy that the FijiFirst party has been democratically elected back to Government.

TCF Council of Fiji president Michael Towler said: “We are extremely happy that the FijiFirst Government has returned and we can now have an open dialogue with them over the national minimum wage rates.

“They are the only party that wanted to sit down and discuss the national minimum wage rates before the elections unlike other parties who came up with their own manifesto and their $5-$10 minimum wage.

“We have always participated in the process of discussing this issue in numerous public forums, and we support the current, responsible process that has set the current NMW rates.

“We will continue to have informed discussions with all stakeholders including our members.”

Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Vice-President Nouzab Fareed said: “Like any other body or employers, we at the Fiji Chambers of Commerce feel the same, regardless of which party. All businesses want stability.

“This means the current Government will continue with the policies they have already set in place, which means the investors are still the same, the foreign investments will still continue as well as the local investments more importantly will continue.

“Businesses feel there is no change, because change is costly.”

He said the peoples voice have been heard as they have exercised their civic right with this election and have chosen this Government.

“We have the same government, regardless of the majority the government of the day is the govt of the people.

“We feel comfortable and most of our members too feel the same.

“We also look forward to working with the Government and with the strong Opposition in Parliament we are of the view that it will be good for business and there will be a lot of consensus going forward.

“I’m sure Government will also convene forums with businesses and other apex bodies to see what we can do better for next four years.”

Association of Banks

Association of Banks in Fiji chairman Rakesh Ram said they would work closely with the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the Government for the development of the economy.

“The association of banks and the banking community have been working closely with Government particularly with the development and enhancement of the financial sector.

“It was a good election outcome which means the continuations of the existing stable policies of the Government continue.

“At the end of the day as far as the association of banks is concerned there’s continuity and sustainability.

“We will continue to work with what I have already alluded and for the betterment of the country.”

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj