Teamwork key to effective policy advice, says Acting PS Sikivou

The importance of teamwork in providing effective policy advice to the Minister, was highlighted by the Acting Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Business Development, Peni Sikivou.

In a formal briefing this morning by senior management, Mr Sikivou welcomed staff to engage freely for collaboration and support.

He reminded senior management and staff of his open-door policy to encourage teamwork.

"Mr Sikivou reaffirmed that he is serving in an interim capacity and emphasised the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and strong technical support to ensure effective policy advice to the Minister," Ministry of Trade said in a media statement.

Mr Sikivou, was formally briefed this morning by Heads of Departments on the Ministry’s roles, responsibilities, and key deliverables.

He acknowledged the scope of work undertaken across the Ministry, commended the efforts of staff over the years, and encouraged the team to maintain momentum in 2026.

"The newly reformed Ministry now comprises six divisions and oversees four statutory bodies — the Consumer Council of Fiji, Film Fiji, the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board, and Investment Fiji," the Ministry of Trade said.

In addition, three professional bodies fall under the Ministry’s purview.

This includes Outsource Fiji, the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Council, and Business Assistance Fiji.

Oversight of these agencies is coordinated through the Economic Unit and Reform Unit to strengthen performance and results delivery.

The Acting Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Business Development, Mr Peni Sikivou, was formally briefed this morning by Heads of Departments on the Ministry’s roles, responsibilities and key deliverables.

Addressing senior management, Mr Sikivou emphasized that "his appointment is in an interim capacity, while underscoring the importance of teamwork, professionalism and robust technical support in delivering sound policy advice to the Minister".

In a media statement, he acknowledged the breadth of work undertaken across the Ministry and commended staff for their dedication and contributions over the years.

Mr Sikivou encouraged the team to maintain momentum and remain focused on achieving results in 2026.

Reaffirming his leadership approach, Mr Sikivou highlighted his open-door policy and welcomed staff engagement, collaboration and open communication to strengthen service delivery.

The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development has recently undergone reforms and now comprises six divisions.

It also oversees four statutory bodies: the Consumer Council of Fiji, Film Fiji, the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board, and Investment Fiji.

In addition, three professional bodies fall under the Ministry’s purview — Outsource Fiji, the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Council, and Business Assistance Fiji.

Oversight and coordination of these agencies are managed through the Economic Unit and Reform Unit to enhance performance and improve results delivery.