People who have obtained loans from the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) will have a chance to voice their concerns during consultations with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs this week. These discussions are part of a nationwide effort aimed at reviewing the annual reports for 2022 and 2023 from FDB.
Chairman of the Committee, Sakiusa Tubuna, highlighted that the consultations commenced in Suva and will extend to regions such as Naitasiri, Tailevu, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, and Sigatoka throughout the week. The goal of these sessions is to gather feedback from loan recipients, which will help inform the committee’s recommendations and give a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by borrowers.
This initiative aligns with previous positive developments from FDB, which reported a profit of $5.5 million for 2024, marking an increase from the previous year’s $3.78 million. The bank has been proactive in reducing interest rates for various loan products to ensure they remain accessible and affordable, supporting local businesses and individuals during these challenging economic times.
In light of these consultations, there is hope that engaging directly with customers will enhance financial services in Fiji. It underscores a commitment to fostering an inclusive economic environment where the voices of borrowers help shape future banking policies. Through initiatives like this, FDB is demonstrating its dedication to not only improving its services but also strengthening community ties and economic resilience.
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