The Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Manoa Kamikamica, expressed significant concerns regarding the labor shortage in Fiji during a recent event in Nadi. He highlighted that this issue has become a major challenge across all sectors, particularly affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises.
At the 65th workshop meeting of the Asian Productivity Organization, Kamikamica pointed out that while the government has made considerable progress in enhancing productivity through various initiatives, the departure of skilled workers due to migration presents a substantial obstacle to national productivity objectives. He emphasized the need for skilled labor in critical sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education, and technology.
To address the labor shortage, Kamikamica noted that the government is focusing on creating new industries and investing in key sectors to foster a favorable business environment in Fiji. This includes modernizing policies and establishing the Investment Facilitation Committee to support investors by streamlining investment processes.
He raised concerns that the ongoing labor shortage could adversely affect productivity, potentially hindering economic growth. Employers may face challenges in attracting workers, which could lead to higher operational costs and potential declines in service standards. The minister acknowledged that while these issues are complex, the government is committed to devising strategies, planning, and investing in training and education to alleviate these shortcomings.
Kamikamica underscored the critical need for a unified approach to tackle labor shortages, emphasizing the implications for the economy and the country. Despite the challenges presented by the labor shortage, he also suggested that there may be opportunities for growth and innovation, encouraging engagement and dialogue to transform this challenge into a chance for positive change.