A Blueprint For Prosperity
p. 33 · Read in the full issue
AS A result of extensive discussion between groups of delegates at the AFBC/FABC conference, a number of positive suggestions were tabled.
These will be collated and presented to relevant ministries, agencies and bodies, Specifically, the meeting highlighted the following: ■ The AFBC will promote Fiji as a destination for conventions to its members and contacts. ■ Both councils will provide a conslant and positive flow of information to the media. ■ Councils called for the Fiji Government to respond quickly and positively to media enquiries to avoid speculative reporting. ■ To assist in encouraging tourism, the Sunday observance should be eased. ■ The councils pressed for an early conclusion of the Tax Sharing Agreement
with the Australian Government to fit in with the investment packages now being offered by the Fiji Government. ■ Short and long term training pro grams must be initiated to fill the skills gap created by emigration and to meet the needs of a projected expansion of industry stimulated by planned investment initia lives; SPARTECA is seen as a possible funding source. ■ The meeting was in favour of consid eration of personal income tax reviews aimed at lowering personal tax rates in Fiji and thus increasing personal initiative. ■ Labour-intensive industries were suggested as a priority. The manufactur ing sector should be encouraged to de velop using Fiji’s special trading opportunities to gain entry into SPAR TECA countries; the EEC, using Lome, and so on. ■ A regular informative business-or
ientated newsletter originating from the FABC should be instituted to highlight achievements and opportunities, ■ The Australian Joint Venture Scheme requires urgent updating to make it a po sitive vehicle for Fijian participation. It should be venture-capital based and di reeled to the private sector. ■ There is an urgent need to upgrade support services such as communication to encourage investment ■ Councils supported the initiatives of the Fiji Trade and Investment Board and suggested it maximise the resources of both councils. ■ Fiji should embark on a campaign, to be initiated in Australia and other countries, to encourage Fiji nationals to return to Fiji. ■ Expo 88 was seen as an excellent op portunity for the promotion of Fiji’s tour ism and investment potential, and should therefore receive immediate and substan tial attention. □