THE Fiji Commerce Commission (FCC), which was established under Section 7 of the Commerce Commission Act 2010 (CCA2010), has been renamed as the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) under Section 160A of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act, effective from August 1, 2017.
The change came about after some discussions on modernising the commission’s image to reflect its core functions as enshrined under the Act.
Since its inception in July, 2010, FCCC has been struggling to detach itself from the single identity of being the major price regulator in the Fijian markets to embrace its competition regulation responsibilities.
As such, it was only convenient to change its name to truly reflect its complete functions as prescribed by its governing law -i.e. FCCCA2010.
Since competition regulation is still in its infancy stage in Fiji, it is important for FCCC to take the Fijian public along in its journey towards transforming the local markets to reach the level of competitiveness possible.
Informing all Fijians of its changing image is one way to include them in the transformation process.
While the rest of the world have taken great strides in raising the standard of competition within their jurisdictions, Fiji and other small island economies should follow suit in order to ensure economic survival.
As such, Fiji has modelled its change to neighbouring countries Australia and New Zealand in addressing competition regulation with consumer protection, thus the name FCCC.
What does the new name and logo stand for?
Fiji to Fijian — This represents the introduction of our common identity as being Fijians in the land called Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission — FCCC will regulate the Fijian market to ensure that equitable returns are provided to businesses and the general livelihood of all Fijians is gradually lifted.
This will lead to an improved standard of living and a rise in affordability in the market for quality products.
Logo:
The inverted Cs, which appears like an arrow, represents the forward focus of FCCC.
The colour red portrays the warmth and approachability of the commission while the presence of the colour black signifies that despite its approachability, FCCC will remain formal.
FCCC’s organisational structure change
FCCC has developed a five-year strategic plan for 2017-2022 and has reorganised its structure to match the new plan. (Refer to table).
Each new department is headed by a manager and the two divisional offices by regional managers.
In the ranks of each department, there are senior officers, officers and assistant officers with interns and attaches forming the temporary ranks.
The new structure was formed out of the strategic plan goals to ensure all areas are covered.
FCCC branches
FCCC’s Northern and Western branches are still located in the same areas of service and operation, whereas the headquarters at the Central Eastern Division has relocated from Level 1 Garden City Complex, Raiwai to Ground Floor, Employers Hub Building, 42 Gorrie St, Suva.
The shift of the headquarters is to ensure accessibility and proximity to members of the public and other government offices.
However, the Sigatoka, Rakiraki, Savusavu, Kadavu, Taveuni and Rotuma offices have closed as there are plans to have customer service centres opened in Nadi and Nausori.
FCCC’s advice
FCCC urges all Fijians to join in the fight to eradicate unfair trade practices among our traders and learn to promote competition in our markets.
Competition ensures that goods and services offered for trade are affordable and meet quality standard.
For all goods and services under price control, they should be traded within the controlled rates.
All consumers who encounter breaches of overcharging, or unfair trade must report the incidents immediately to FCCC on 3372178 or 8921991.
For traders; ensure that you are well versed on the legal provisions of trade and commerce prescribed under the FCCCA2017 and contact FCCC, should further clarification or guidance be required.
We must join hands to ensure that businesses reap equitable returns of their investments and consumers enjoy access to quality goods and services at affordable prices.
No one should be allowed to gain financial benefits through exploitation of the vulnerable of our society and all efforts must be directed towards curbing this at all cost.
Let’s make Fiji a place to invest and enjoy life.
* Next Week: FCCC in the next five years.
For more information/details on Fiji Commerce Commission and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010, visit our website on http://www.commcomm.gov.fj or join us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/commcomm.gov.fj
