FOR over six decades, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has served as the collective voice of the private sector, advocating on behalf of businesses across key national issues – from labour and employment to taxation, skills development and economic reform. But as the operating environment evolves, so too must the way in which that engagement is delivered.
On Wednesday March 25, FCEF officially launched the Members Hub – a dedicated digital portal designed to transform how FCEF connects with and supports its membership.
FCEF’s role extends well beyond advocacy.
It encompasses training, advisory services, policy engagement and facilitating dialogue between the private sector and government.
However, ensuring that this work is consistently accessible and directly relevant to members has not always kept pace with the scale of activity.
Historically, engagement has relied on traditional channels such as email, social media and media coverage.
While effective, these channels required navigating multiple sources to find information.
The Members Hub reflects a more integrated approach to member engagement, ensuring that information, services and opportunities are accessible in one central and user-friendly portal.
Through the portal, members are now able to personalise and manage their profiles, nominate representatives to relevant FCEF Business Councils, access timely updates on news, events and training opportunities, and engage more directly through exclusive resources and discussions.
The portal also provides access to council meeting minutes and enables seamless registration for meetings, events and training programmes.
More importantly, it creates a single space where members can connect more meaningfully with the work being undertaken on their behalf.
Members can now access and contribute to the annual FCEF budget submission for 2026-2027 via Members Hub.
Upcoming initiatives
One of the most pressing challenges is the widening gap between the skills required by industry and those available in the labour market.
Next week, FCEF will launch the much-anticipated National Skills Gap Assessment Survey (2025–26) — a comprehensive, employer-led analysis of workforce needs across Fiji.
The survey will provide critical data to inform national discussions on education, training, employment, and labour mobility, helping to guide workforce development policies and investment priorities.
FCEF acknowledges the Fiji Bureau of Statistics for its technical expertise, the Ministry of Finance for funding, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its ongoing support, including for the launch. Partners supporting, promoting and encouraging engagement with the survey include the Higher Education Commission of Fiji (HECF), Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association (FHTA), Suva Retailers Association (SRA), Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Skills shortages directly impact productivity, growth and investment decisions.
At a national level, they influence Fiji’s ability to compete, attract investment and achieve its broader economic development goals.
The findings will play a key role in shaping FCEF’s ongoing advocacy, particularly in relation to workforce development policies and the effectiveness of existing training investments.
About FCEF
This is where institutions like FCEF play a vital role.
As a national body, FCEF provides a structured portal through which the private sector can engage with government in a coordinated and constructive manner.
It brings together diverse industry perspectives, translates them into actionable policy recommendations, and ensures that the voice of the private sector is represented in key national conversations.
The launch of the Members Hub is part of a broader effort to strengthen the connection between FCEF and the businesses it represents – ensuring that members are not only informed, but actively engaged in shaping the policies and initiatives that impact them.
For FCEF, the focus remains clear: to protect, promote and preserve good governance, free enterprise and commerce for the economic development of Fiji.
Members are encouraged to explore the new portal and take full advantage of its features via the FCEF website – https://www.fcef.com.fj/member-portal-login/. Businesses interested in becoming members of the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation can find more information via the FCEF website or contact macc@fcef.com.fj.
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.
QR CODE for FCEF Membership portal.
Screenshot of the Members Hub portal. Picture: SUPPLIED
