LABOUR shortage has become a major challenge for all sectors in Fiji, including micro, small and medium enterprises, says Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica.
He told the Asian Productivity Organisation’s 65th workshop meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organisations in Nadi yesterday that although the Government had made significant strides in enhancing productivity through various policies and initiatives, this shortage, which was created by migration of skilled workers, posed a significant hurdle to the nation’s productivity goals.
“Labour shortage is a major challenge for all sectors in Fiji, including MSMEs that need the right skills and people to get the job done,” he said.
“We are losing individuals who could contribute to critical sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education and technology.
To resolve the issue, Mr Kamikamica said the Government was prioritising the creation of new industries and investing in key sectors such as decentralising services, creating a conducive and enabling business environment for Fiji by modernising anarchic policies.
He said the Government has established the Investment Facilitation Committee to assist investors and create a pathway that allows investments to move forward.
“Diversifying the Fijian economy and creating new industries with a focus on value addition.
“Through the Commercial Agriculture Taskforce, we are working with several investors like Fiji Water, Aitken Spence and others to explore the revitalisation of kava, cocoa, papaya, citrus and cassava.”
