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Suva

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www.mitt.gov.fj | www.fijianmade.gov.fj

Ease of Doing Business

Roadside Stalls Site Assessment

SIMPLIFYING BUSINESS

More than $35,000 worth of farming equipment was delivered to Lautoka Vegetable Farmers’ Co-operative in the first week of January.

The project will strengthen business activities, increase production and improve business capacities for the 11 members of the Co-operative.

The site assessments for the construction of new Roadside Stalls in the 2019-2020 financial year were undertaken in November 2019. This was done along the Kings and Queens Highways in Viti Levu and major Highways in Vanua Levu. These sites were identified by vendors in their Expressions of Interest.

Through endorsement of Cabinet, Fiji has set itself ambitious targets to be ranked in the top 50 in the 2025 Doing Business Report. To achieve this, we’ve set specific targets for each indicator.

A “Taskforce” chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism and various other Permanent Secretaries and CEOs, has been established to ensure implementations of reforms in respective sub-indicators.

In addition to redesigning processes, the Fijian Government is working to digitalise the application and approval processes. bizFIJI remains the central portal for doing business related information and will evolve into an application, approvals and payment portal for entrepreneurs venturing into “Starting a Business” and getting “Construction Permits”.

Ranking of Doing Business in Fiji

Reviewed Business LicensesEntering into 2020, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, in conjunction with Ministry of Local Government, rolled out a revised “risk based” Business License process. Adopting a risk-based approach can simplify key regulatory processes that govern business activities. This means, the higher the potential risk posed by a specific business activity, the firmer the control.

The improvements focus on (i) streamlining and eliminating redundant processes; (ii) reduction in time taken to start a business; and (iii) reduction of costs.

The streamlined processes include 3 simple steps:A. Business Registration(https://mobile.digital.gov.fj/Eservices/Index)B. Tax Registration(https://tpos.frcs.org.fj/taxpayerportal#/Logon)C. Business License(https://www.business-fiji.com/bizprocedures) – submit filled application form with evidence of business and tax registration and pay fees.Business License should be issued within 48 days from lodgment.

Also announced was the new incentive “Home Based Businesses”. For the first time, Home Based business owners will be given an opportunity to start almost any type of business from home. Having a homebased business affords the ability to work more flexibly and often at a lower cost.

Lautoka FarmersReceive Assistance

Discount onBusiness

License Fees

To ease the burden on Fijians and increase business activities for smaller businesses, the following now applies:

1. All micro enterprises with up to 3 employees will pay 50% less for business license fees; and2. All start-ups or new businesses with up to 3 employees are exempted from business license fees for the first year.

With the increase in co-operative structures around the world, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) held the 14th International Co-operative Alliance Asia-Pacific Committee on Co-operative Research Conference in Newcastle, Australia from 12-14 December 2019.

Through the Ministry, Fiji was represented in the 3-day conference by Director and Registrar of Co-operative Business, Mr. Faizal Khan. The workshop aimed at sharing knowledge on co-operatives among the Asia-Pacific Region and opportunities and concerns in the South Pacific, specifically focusing on education and training. The discussion helped understand where the Pacific stood with regards to co-operative development and how these can be tackled.

Northland Farmers’ Co-operative Limited, in partnership with Pacific Energy Limited, opened their Multi Fuel Service Station on 6 November 2019 at the Nabilo shopping complex, Korovou Town.

Chairman of Northland Farmers’ Co-operative Limited, Hirday Lakhan said, “Through this fuel station, we will not only be able to serve our shareholders but the general vehicle and outboard and small engine owners in the whole of Northland Tailevu,”

Officiating at the opening, Permanent Secretary for Industry Trade and Tourism, Shaheen Ali, said the station’s strategic location provided convenient service to the approximately 30,000 people of Korovou and surrounding areas and the motoring public passing through the town.

This complex will serve the Tailevu North community and the travelling public who commute along the Kings Highway.

Opening of Multi Fuel Service Station forNorthland Farmers’ Co-operative Ltd

14th ICA Asia-Pacific Committee on Co-operative Research Conference

MarketBusiness Fair Training in

NailagaVillage, Ba

The Ministry was part of the Market Business Fair Trainings organised by the United Nations Development Programme on 6 November 2019. Participants were trained on Financial Literacy in conjunction with Westpac Bank Fjij- connecting them to other financial services. The training provided information to the villages at grassroots level as they were not fully aware of many services being provided by the Government.

HARNESSING YOUTH AND DRIVING INNOVATION

New Scheme to ignite R&DThe Hon. Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development officially launched the Research and Innovation Scheme for Enterprises (RISE) on 23 January 2020.

RISE is an important step of the Fijian Government to progress Fiji into a modern and knowledge-based economy. The 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan puts together all the components that are crucial for continued growth. RISE is one of the components that will assist enterprises to bring about innovation in their respective sectors by encouraging research and development (R&D).

Through RISE, enterprises are encouraged to innovate, by thinking outside the box and elevate their businesses. A special budget has been allocated for enterprises that need initial support to undertake R&D in a new or improved product, process or

services, which will not only be beneficial to their businesses, but also Fijians.

RISE is the beginning of a long-term partnership between the Fijian Government, the private sector and academia in line with the Fijian Government’s vision to diversify our national economy, increase Fijian Made (and Grown) exports, and modernise industries. More information – www.rise.gov.fj

Young Fijians to be recognised by the Hon. Prime Minister

The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards was launched on 13 December 2019 to recognise and acknowledge contributions of young Fijians between the ages of 18 and 35 years, in their respective field and talents.

The Award categories recognise, achievements in Sports, Primary Industries, Entrepreneurship, Community Champion, Music and Dance, Fashion, Arts and Creativity, Eco-Champion, Inspirational Leadership, Digital Innovator and finally, Youth of the Year.

The Awards is a collaboration between different Government and private sector agencies for a consolidated event to acknowledge Fijian youth. Please visit www.youthawards.gov.fj for more information.

Innovativesolutions andcollaboration key to combat

global challenges

Fiji was represented at the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum held at Manado, Indonesia on 1 November 2019. The meeting was attended by representatives from 30 of the 47 participating AIS countries.

With the focus on “Marine Ecotourism”, countries used the platform to discuss and share best practices and possible collaboration in key areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, blue economy development, combating marine plastic debris and the promotion of good ocean governance.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2SZyxl4

PROMOTING STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES

ISO Regional Workshop on NationalStandardisation Strategy

Verification of Weighbridge

Anti-Bribery Management System Standard Regional Initiative

The Ministry is working on a National Standardisation Strategy, which will align standardisation with national priorities and stakeholder needs. The ISO Workshop held in Singapore was an opportunity

to gain knowledge and insight on what strategies other developing countries are developing and how the standards setting can be aligned to national vision.

The accuracy and reliability of a weighbridge system is of paramount importance. Inaccurate weighing not only gives rise to incorrect charges, but can pose significant operational risks.

Our Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS) performed verification of newly installed

weighbridge with a capacity of 70,000kg x 50kg at Tropik Woods in Wairiki, Bua.

This weighbridge is used to determine freight costs or other charges when exporting timber. Timely verification ensures consumers have confidence that they are being charged accurately

Trade Standards Advisory Council

The Trade Standard Advisory Council (TSAC), appointed by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, is a committee mandated to provide recommendations on all Standards of work in Fiji. These works include new project proposals, standards development activities and reviews undertaken by technical committees.

Having standards is extremely important in our everyday lives. They are fundamental building blocks that form a road-map to better regulation. From the shoes we stand in, to the Wi-Fi networks that connect us invisibly, having standards ensures competitiveness, safety and value of Fijian Made goods and services.

Our first TSAC meeting for the year was held in January 2020 where endorsement on some of the major standardisation activities for 2020 were discussed. This includes gold standard, steel bars, and minimum energy performance standards and labelling on Television.

Did you know?Pursuant to the Trade Measurement Act 1989, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) dispensers must be pattern approved and verified. Pattern approval assesses the LPG dispenser, ensuring it is fit for purpose and suitable for the environmental conditions in which it is operating in. All LPG dispensers must be verified (through a mark or certificate of verification) by our Department of National Trade and Measurement and sealed appropriately. Meter verification ensures that consumers can have confidence that they being charged accurately. If the seal is missing or damaged, please contact the Ministry.

The Ministry facilitated the participation of officers from the Fijian Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) to attend ISO 37001 - International Standard for Anti-Bribery Management System, which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Ministry is working with FICAC and OAG on the adoption of ISO 37001 as Fijian Standard, to assist private and public organisations to combat bribery and corruption.

TOURISM EVENTS AND FINDINGS

Fiji attends 9th Meeting of the UNWTO Committee on Tourism and CompetitivenessFiji and the Pacific region, for the first time were represented at the 9th meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness (CTC) by Fijian Consul General/Trade Commissioner China, Dr Yolinda Chan.

At the CTC meeting on 24 January 2020 in Spain, Fiji, in its capacity as a member representing the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific, was successfully elected as Vice Chair for the 2019-2023 period. A significant feat for both Fiji and the Pacific.

Key amongst the CTC’s new term priorities include policy recommendations to increase competitiveness, product and niche development and establishing best practices and guidelines for value addition. There will also be special efforts to Read more: http://bit.ly/2tMu1fS

Members of the UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness

A recent International Finance Corporation led study, commissioned by the Ministry, revealed more investment to attract cruise tourism to Fiji could lead to an added US$43.98 million to the Fijian economy over the next 10 years.

To read the full report, visit http://bit.ly/32Px8z7

Launch of the 6-month interim 2019 IVS ReportFindings from Fiji’s International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the first half of 2019 reveals $947 million in tourism earnings, of which $259 million was spent in Fiji.

In 2019, the Ministry in partnership with the International Finance Corporation embarked on a new data collection system. This followed a review of the IVS and its associated methodology which concluded in 2018.

Based on the data collected for the first 6 months of 2019, just under half of tourists bought prepaid packages, with all tourists spending on average FJD2, 323 on their trip to Fiji or about FJD273 a day.

Going forward, the Ministry will continue its efforts in providing more robust and timely tourism data to stakeholders. The 2019 full year report is expected to be released by April 2020.

Visit the Ministry’s website to read the 6-month report: http://bit.ly/2RaMbk4

Study RevealsInvestment

Opportunities in Fiji’s Cruise

Tourism

The Ministry joined 34 exhibitors both local and international at the 16th HOTEC Tradeshow held at the Denarau Island Convention Centre on 7 and 8 November 2019. Hon. Premila Kumar opened the tradeshow which saw more than a 100 attendees, including members of the general public and tourism industry visiting 52 booths, workshops and competitions.

The Ministry’s booth promoted key Government Initiatives including the Fijian Made-Buy Fijian campaign and businesses in the tourism, agriculture and retail sectors supported by MSME Fiji. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2Fw5zRU

The Hon. Premila Kumar, on 12 December 2019, officiated at Tourism Fiji’s Industry Day held at the Sheraton Fiji Resort. The event was attended by approximately 300 tourism stakeholders from major tourism areas in Fiji. In attendance also were representatives from Tourism Fiji’s regional offices.

The annual event provides Tourism Fiji a platform to present their marketing plans and launch special initiatives for the next year. During this event, Tourism Fiji announced phase 2 of their Bulannaires campaign, an initiative aimed at sharing and experiencing the “Bula Spirit” through select Bulannaires Ambassadors. Tourism Fiji also launched its revamped consumer website that includes a number of new and creative features and would allow Industry stakeholders to link and maintain their own content on the website.

The event also facilitated an “Ask Me” session with enquiry booths from Fiji Airways, Film Fiji, the Tourism Fiji Events team, Niche Marketing and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

2019Tourism Fiji Industry Day

2019 HOTEC Tradeshow