Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says cabinet has approved the establishment of a new Ease of Doing Business taskforce under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.
He says the taskforce has his full backing to streamline procedures and processes, eliminate repetition and inconsistencies and bring business transparency to new heights to Fiji.
Speaking at the 25th Australia-Fiji Business Council Forum at the Brisbane Marriott Hotel conference centre, Bainimarama says initial initiatives under Digital Fiji have already brought a number of company registration services online for the first time including e-payment for registration under the Biz Fiji portal.
He told those at the forum that this new online business portal has given users the ability to access a step by step guide and checklist to easily walk them through the registration process and allows them to download application forms to start a business or obtain a construction permit.
Bainimarama went on to say that over the course of the next 18 months, Biz Fiji will evolve into a full online submission and approvals portal allowing business licenses and construction permits to be issued entirely online.
The Prime Minister also told the forum that when they speak of this type of business efficiency in Fiji, there are always murmurings of the World Bank Group's ease of doing business rankings and how Fiji has historically underperformed in its standing.
Bainimarama says while these rankings have their flaws and biases, they highlight a common cause that is shared by the government which is cutting unwanted bureaucracy.
Bainimarama also says the Australia-Fiji Business Council stands as evidence of the intimate economic relationship between the two countries.
He says with over 120 companies as members, this forum has become the perfect space for any business engaged in bilateral trade or looking to engage in the future.
The Fijian delegation to the forum included the Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Mahendra Reddy, Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Sugar Industry and Immigration and also acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism Shaheen Ali and Fiji’s High Commissioner to Australia Luke Daunivalu.
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