Labour shortages have emerged as a significant challenge across all sectors in Fiji, particularly affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), according to Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica.
Speaking at the Asian Productivity Organisation’s 65th workshop meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organisations in Nadi, Kamikamica emphasized that, despite the government’s efforts to enhance productivity through various policies and initiatives, the migration of skilled workers has created substantial obstacles to achieving national productivity goals.
“The labour shortage presents a considerable challenge for all sectors in Fiji, including MSMEs that require the right skills and workforce to operate effectively,” he stated. “We are experiencing a loss of individuals who could have made significant contributions in critical areas such as tourism, healthcare, education, and technology.”
To address this issue, Kamikamica noted that the government is focusing on creating new industries and investing in vital sectors. This includes decentralizing services and fostering a favorable business environment by updating obsolete policies.
He revealed that the Government has set up the Investment Facilitation Committee to aid investors and streamline investment processes.
“Diversifying the Fijian economy and establishing new industries that emphasize value addition is crucial. Through the Commercial Agriculture Taskforce, we are collaborating with notable investors such as Fiji Water and Aitken Spence to explore the revival of crops like kava, cocoa, papaya, citrus, and cassava.”