Empowering Locals: A Call for Fiji to Invest in Homegrown Businesses

Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, has urged the Fijian government to prioritize domestic funding for local investments over granting benefits to foreign investors. At the opening of the Great Council of Chiefs Complex, she raised concerns about the preferential treatment often given to foreign enterprises through tax incentives and access to loans backed by the government.

Ro Teimumu highlighted that while foreign investors have reaped substantial rewards from operating in Fiji, they should be expected to bring their own capital rather than depending on local financial support. Her stance is clear: resources and assistance should primarily be allocated to support local businesses and enhance the entrepreneurial spirit among local entrepreneurs.

This call to action echoes a growing sentiment in Fiji regarding the need for economic empowerment of the indigenous population, particularly the iTaukei community. Recent discussions around fostering self-reliance and providing avenues for local investment align with Ro Teimumu’s emphasis on the need for robust management within indigenous trust companies to ensure meaningful benefits for their beneficiaries.

Moreover, this stance aligns with ongoing discussions within Fiji’s leadership about revitalizing traditional industries that have faced challenges in recent years. By encouraging a stronger emphasis on local capital and resources, there is hope for a more equitable economic landscape that could lead to long-term sustainability and prosperity for local communities.

Additionally, there are signs of positive movement in this direction, as figures like the Minister for iTaukei Affairs have also advocated for strengthening local businesses to enhance economic representation and inclusivity among indigenous Fijians, who currently constitute a modest percentage of the nation’s business landscape. As initiatives continue to emerge, they hold the potential to uplift the local economy and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among the iTaukei people.