National Trade Policy Framework previewed

MARAIA VULA
SUVA
The Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council of Fiji and its members are important stakeholders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
These were the remarks of the ministry’s permanent secretary Shaheen Ali during the councils 10th annual general meeting at Novotel Suva Lami Bay convention Centre yesterday.
He highlighted that they had the same objective, which was embodied in the meeting’s theme “working in partnership to foster long term goals in facilitating trade”.
“We are working together on promoting trade through a partnership with the private sector,” he said.
“This is in keeping with the Bainimarama Government’s vision of an inclusive approach towards building an internationally competitive economy, and reinforcing Fiji’s position as the regional trading hub of the Pacific.
“The ministry knows well that trade facilitation agencies, such as customs brokers and freight forwarded, play an important role as engines for economic growth.”

Fiji’s booming market
Fiji is booming on the trade front, as well as expanding into new markets and reducing dependence on a limited number of trading partners.
The Bainimarama Government has undertaken reforms that have ignited a period of economic growth for Fiji which is one of the best economic growth cycles since Independence.
This persistent growth is evidence of the resilience of the Fijian economy, leaving behind the gloom of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and enduring through the natural disasters of 2009 and 2011.
Fiji provides global value addition for both goods and services – given its central location, developed transport links and skilled labour force.
The Bainimarama Government’s reforms have helped increase the level of investment.
Fuelled mainly by the private sector, it is reaching historical highs of 29 percent of Gross Domestic Product last year.
“The Fijian government is deeply committed to capital spending to support the economy and reduce the cost of doing business.”
He further stressed that now was the time for the private sector to capitalise on the reforms undertaken by Bainimarama Government.
Council chairman Vinesh Chandra noted the AGM was a requirement every year.
The council is preparing for its annivesary celebration to be held later in the year may be after elections or early next year.

Launch of National Trade Policy
In the coming months, Government plans to launch the National Trade Policy Framework.
It is a new document providing the guidelines for Fiji’s collaborative and inclusive approach to trade.
The underlying vision of this document is to advance Fiji’s role as the “Hub of the Pacific”, building a larger, more efficient internationally competitive Fijian economy.
The Framework is a single reference point for all stakeholders making the journey on Fiji’s roadmap towards a modern and inclusive trade policy.
It promotes expansion, industrial growth, domestic and foreign investment and general improvement in the business environment for private sector.
In developing the framework, the Ministry of Industry and Trade adopted a bottom-up approach and undertook extensive consultations with all key stakeholders, including its trade facilitation partners.
Some of the members of the council were part of the consultation work.
According to the council’s national secretary Ronald Dass they want to be part of the consultation because they play a major role in the facilitation of trade.
Mr Ali stressed that moving forward, to fully succeed in facilitating trade, paying attention to them the stakeholders was critical.
“We understand that there are issues that not only pose a challenge to you, but pose a challenge at a national level,” he said
“At the same time, the Fijian Government is working to improve the infrastructure, productivity and capacity of our seaports and wharfs.
“We will also address the layers of fees and charges that can also pose an impediment to trade.”
The council has increased its membership fees for the year and registration fees for new members as well.
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj