Fiji New Zealand Business Council president Renu Chand said there was a greater disconnect between businesses and how things happen outside of Suva.
She said she was based in Nadi and one of her key focuses was to try and connect people a lot more and see how well there were efficient ways of doing things.
“Nadi started off with the tourism opening in December, and then January, we had three floods and a cyclone, so that sort of set us back,” Ms Chand said.
“But making sure how we can ease doing business in Fiji, some making sure that we are, consulting with the key stakeholders and sharing best practices.
“And I think it’s just been a very challenging time.”
She said as the country was ready to pick up it went through a setback again, however, it did not stop the resilient culture we had.
“And I think that’s the key thing that we have in Fiji and people just pick up and we get on and I think that’s what we want to see is how else we can work with Fiji government, New Zealand government.
“I think the double tax treaty arrangements around professional fees and that no withholding tax being applicable has made one of the big decisions for New Zealand investors in Fiji that sort of changed that so having some clarity around that legislation.”
During the council’s AGM held on Thursday, March 3, it was reported by the outgoing president, Vinay Narsey, that the council had sent a submission through FCCC regarding a proposed increase in port fees which was seen to escalate the high cost of goods and services.
“Major issues highlighted were the inability to control freight costs as Fiji was a price taker and that the port’s capital works shouldn’t come through increase fees from us as customers,” she said.
Ms Chand said a lot of the FNZBC members felt that the port charges were very excessive, and they could not sustain doing business.
She said they were waiting for the outcomes of the submissions made in regards to this matter.
“We’ve even gone a step further to say we would like to be presented and heard where our members can actually come up with real factual information to tell you how this is impacting their business and the cost that gets passed on to the consumers.”
