The Fiji Business Forum next Saturday will be an opportunity for business houses and the private sector at large to contribute towards discussions for the 2016 National Budget Submission.
Organised by the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry and hosted by the Suva Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the forum will include participation by all chambers around the country.
This will give rise to more inclusive discussion and varied views for the communique for the budget submission.
But this year, whether members participate in the forum or not, you can always send in your questions on a particular platform in advance by texting to 7333000.
While some people may not be shy about their views and questions, there might be some who may want to be anonymous with their questions.
There organisers have assured the identity of question senders will remain confidential and with only one person having access.
Once the question has been vetted by the organisers without revealing details of the sender, the identity record will be removed.
Approximately 200 delegates are expected to attend the event which has resumed after a lapse of one year.
TODAY’s QUESTION
What are some issues you would like seen addressed at the Business Forum?
Women representation on the national security/defence and disaster working committees. These committees affect private sector from a policy stand point. More entrepreneurial incentives for women in the informal sectors. These supports can be in the form of funding existing bodies like WIB to assist in registration of businesses, business advice, etc.
Jodi Chang
distill general manager retail
From the Fiji Business forum, there are several expectations but mainly to seek detailed overview on the recently proposed Income tax amendments with ease of interpretation and implementation.
Also, the Fijian government has provided wide ranging incentives to attract foreign investors in the country but what incentives & motivations are available to attract local companies and individuals to invest?
Probably, a key question is: Tax incentives for companies are available but is it generating enough interest for investments? Another topic of interest will the New Companies Act that has been widely discussed and the more we understand the various sections, the easier to interpret in future.
And, the topic of ease of doing business and Investment Fiji as a “one stop shop” has always drawn criticism on its expected outcomes.
I will be interested to understand the progress made to date in addressing such issues.
Rajeshwar Singh
Bank South Pacific, Chief Financial Officer
Reduction of duty on packaging and essential components which aren’t available locally.
Reduction of duty on marketing components such as
1.GWP (Gift with Purchase) bags and other ‘incentive’ items
- Fragrance, used in locally manufactured products
- Display stands
- Ribbons, Paper flowers and other items used to enhance packaging
None of the above mentioned are available locally
Gaetane Austin
Pure Fiji Managing Director