The revival of the Fiji Indigenous Business Council (FIBC) will allow more impactful networking opportunities for local iTaukei businesses, says chairman Ulai Taoi.
“I think networking is a critical part of business, which sometimes back we did not really have. We were just networking amongst us,” Mr Taoi said.
He said through FIBC, indigenous businesses could also connect with the Government and benefit from government services.
“Government can directly make an impact on indigenous business because it puts out a lot of tenders, services, and things like that. I think that’s something that we did not really get from the previous government.”
Mr Taoi said it was time iTaukei businesses challenged themselves and took advantage of the opportunities available in starting and growing their business.
He said it was time to change the course by going more into business “because this is where the heart of any economic development is”.
“Any government knows this is the engine room of growth — business. The Government runs on money from companies, and businesses again. We’re not quite involved in that.
“Imagine if indigenous businesses were groomed to grow. Imagine the impact they would make on the population and the economic growth of this country.”
The council will be having its FIBC FHL 24 Symposium on May 29-30 after a 10-year hiatus.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will be the chief guest at the symposium that will be held at the Harbour Point Convention Centre in Lami.
