The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations is working with the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) to adopt a master plan that will improve Fiji’s productivity standard.

The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala said this would be a step forward for the country.

This was mentioned in an interview, after the discussions on the National Minimum Wages and Wage-Regulations in Fiji at the Nadi Civic Centre yesterday.

Mr Bala said the master plan would be handed over in a few months’ time.

“Everybody talks about the wages and salary but nobody wants to talk about productivity and that is the key,” Mr Bala said.

“In any company if productivity is there, any employer will be happy to give more in the pockets.”

He said productivity was an important factor for the country which in fact improved the living standards of all Fijians.

“Fiji has developed a 20-year development plan 2017 – 2036 and a comprehensive five-year development plan 2017 – 2021,” he said.

“The 200-year plan places productivity as a priority area in the context of planning for inclusive socio economic development and transform plans.

“Productivity is a key factor for Fiji to raise living standards, improve people’s ability to purchase goods and services and help businesses to be more profitable and generally contribute towards future economic growth.”

The 15-year National Productivity Master Plan 2021 – 2036 has been developed through the collaboration of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO).

This complements the 20-year National Development Plan and the five-year plan to provide a clear direction on the national productivity priorities for a sustainable Fiji.

Mr Bala added there were also talks on revisiting the National Productivity Council so that employers could also contribute towards productivity.

“If we want to do things we will all have to work together and that is what our plan is as far as the Ministry for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations is concerned,” he added.

Once the master plan is handed down, more details will be given.

Edited by Percy Kean

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