THE Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) will once again bring together business leaders, policymakers, regulators and industry experts for its annual State of the Economy Breakfast Talanoa — a forum dedicated to unpacking Fiji’s economic outlook and what it means for the private sector.
As Fiji’s most representative Employers’ and Business Membership Organisation (EBMO), and the Voice of the Private Sector, FCEF plays a critical role in enabling and shaping national economic dialogue.
The State of the Economy Breakfast Talanoa provides a structured platform for the private sector to engage directly with those influencing fiscal, labour, trade and regulatory policy.
Economic landscape in 2026
Fiji enters 2026 facing a mixed economic environment. Inflationary pressures have eased from recent highs, offering some stability for households and businesses. Growth projections remain positive, supported by tourism recovery and domestic activity.
However, many businesses continue to face significant challenges:
Cost of doing business
Corporate tax increased by five per cent since 2023.
Wage costs up 86.6 per cent over the past three years.
Rising freight costs.
Workforce and skills challenges
Heavy reliance on remittances.
Limited availability of work-ready candidates.
Insufficient investment in upskilling and continuous professional development.
Productivity constraints
Reduced labour force participation.
High emigration rates.
Limited resources to upskill staff.
Trade milestones and emerging pressures
FCEF commends the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), alongside the Ministries of Finance and Trade, for their work on getting Fiji removed from the European Union’s (EU) blacklist — a milestone that strengthens trade and investment confidence.
At the same time, this achievement came with the loss of the Export Income Deduction (EID), which for some businesses reduced export incentives by up to 50 per cent.
A significant increase to cost of business for some, placing Fijian exporters at a competitive disadvantage compared with countries benefiting from production subsidies, scale advantages or lower labour costs.
Looking ahead, if the PACER Plus agreement is signed, Fiji’s private sector may face additional pressures, including:
Increased administrative and compliance costs;
Greater exposure to foreign competition;
Potential government revenue pressures, possibly leading to indirect tax increases; and,
Limited capacity for SMEs and emerging industries to scale efficiently.
The Fiji National Development Plan (NDP) 2025-2029 is targeting an average annual GDP growth rate of four per cent to five per cent over the next five years, yet according the Reserve Bank of Fiji we are tracking at three per cent, and this is projected to remain the same until 2028.
The private sector are key contributors of Fiji’s GDP, current pressures on businesses and operations are hindering progress towards our GDP target of four per cent to five per cent.
Why this matters for businesses
The private sector is seeking predictable, coherent and sustainable policies that strengthen competitiveness while supporting employment growth.
Economic policy decisions directly influence operating costs, taxation, workforce planning and investment confidence.
The State of the Economy Breakfast equips business leaders with timely insights to:
Make confident investment decisions;
Plan workforce strategies;
Respond proactively to policy shifts; and,
Align business growth with national development goals.
This is more than a breakfast — it is a strategic engagement with Fiji’s economic leadership. Participants will also earn two Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, adding value for finance and governance professionals.
Event details
Date: March 4, 2026
Time: 7:00am – 9:00am
Location: Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva
Registration options
Individual (VIP): Members $250 | Non-members $350
Table of 8 (VIP): Members $1950 | Non-members $2750
Seats are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. Book online at www.fcef.com.fj or email events@fcef.com.fj for inquiries.
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.
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel will deliberate on the state of Fiji’s economy at next week’s Breakfast Talanoa, jointly organised by FCEF and the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA). Picture: REPEKA NASIKO
