THE Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) hosted another successful CEO’s Networking Event on Friday, February 27 welcoming over 90 executive leaders and business owners for an evening of connection, dialogue and collaboration.
Hosted by the British High Commissioner to Fiji Kanbar Hossein-Bor and his family, the event – even though positioned as a social get together – was a purposeful forum.
The format allowed our members and guests to discuss shared challenges, exchange ideas and identify opportunities while strengthening the relationships that underpin Fiji’s private sector.
We were honoured to welcome Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka as our chief guest. His presence presented a rare opportunity for our members and guests to engage in one-on-one conversations with the Prime Minister.
In his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged how difficult it is for businesses right now, highlighting key policies that the government is focusing on to improve the ease of doing business, and encouraged ongoing discussions and collaboration between government and the private sector.
These informal exchanges enabled chief executive officers and business owners to raise issues directly, share insights from their industries and discuss areas where Government support can help enable growth.
Equally, we got to hear first-hand what our Prime Minister and his government are prioritising to ease the pressure on the private sector, signalling Government’s awareness of current pressures on businesses and its ongoing support for the private sector and national bodies like the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF).
Creating this kind of access is a key part of FCEF’s role as the national representative body for employers and businesses.
Through initiatives such as the CEO’s Networking, The State of the Economy: Breakfast Talanoa, The Expert, TOPEX Conference, and much more, FCEF creates platforms where business leaders can connect directly with decision-makers.
This carries a lot of weight, now more than ever when businesses continue to navigate an evolving operating environment.
Rising input costs, regulatory changes, labour shortages, compliance requirements and global supply chain pressures are all contributing to heightened operational strain.
At the same time, businesses are navigating evolving policy reforms and legislative developments, requiring careful adjustment and adaptation.
To that end, ensuring private sector concerns are heard in a national discussion is critical.
Beyond policy discussions, the CEO’s Networking also plays an important role in strengthening existing relationships and forging new ones across industries.
Strong professional networks help businesses share knowledge, identify partnerships and respond collectively to challenges.
A big vinaka vaka levu to the British High Commissioner and his family for opening their home to host the gathering.
Their support reflects the strong relationship between Fiji’s business community and international partners.
In the same vein, thank you to Tappoo Group for their ongoing support and sponsorship.
Looking ahead. FCEF will continue to create purposeful opportunities for engagement that continue to support our members with policy discussions, training requirements and regulatory challenges.
Through these efforts, the benefits gained reaches far beyond our membership.
n Gaylene Kamali is manager Advocacy & Corporate Communication for Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF). The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Fiji Times.
(L-R): FCEF board member Rowena Taito, British High Commissioner to Fiji Kanbar Hossein-Bor, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, FCEF president Eldon Eastgate. Picture: FCEF/SUPPLIED
