It will be an early Christmas for 159 Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL) staff after the announcement of a $203,210.16 bonus payout as part of the company’s achievements from last year.
Making the announcement yesterday, FPCL chairman Shaheen Ali said last year the company recorded a net profit of $28.04 million — an increase of 4 per cent compared with 2018.
Mr Ali said this had also led to an increase of shareholding dividends from $16.24 million in 2018 to $16.82 million for 2019.
“Again, this translates to a 4 per cent increase in the dividend that will be paid to all shareholders this year, so in terms of figures, the Fijian Government will receive a $6.89 million payment from the $6.65 million payout it received last year,” he said.
“Similarly, FNPF (Fiji National Provident Fund) will receive $6.56 million from $6.33 million last year and the dividend paid to Aitken Spence is $3.3 million from $3.25 million last year, while the record dividend payment this year comes at the back of phenomenal performance by the company in 2019.
“Since the divestment in 2015, the profits of FPCL have increased by over 200 per cent, which means bigger returns for shareholders.
“This also means returns to Fijians, as the dividends paid to the Fijian Government and Fiji National Provident Fund is going back to the taxpayers and members of FNPF.”
Mr Ali says the divestment secured the partnership of long-term investors in FPCL that has contributed to the development of the company’s asset base and continues the improvement of Fiji’s seaports, including its expansion, modernisation and development of specialised facilities.
He lauded staff dedication to the company in helping it achieve its goals.
“Each and every employee of FPCL has contributed one way or another to the achievements of the company and are the pillars that have made FPCL the strong organisation it is today,” Mr Ali added.”
