Papua New Guinea’s Sanamo Group Limited executive chairman, Joseph Kobol (right) explains to potential investors and company representatives on the opportunities on his commercial subdivision in Port Moresby, PNG. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By RANOBA BAOA

A Papua New Guinean property developer and businessman is taking full advantage of the Fiji-PNG trade deals by proposing investment opportunities on a 250-acre land in Port Moresby.
Sanamo Group Limited executive chairman, Joseph Kobol, was at Holiday Inn Suva yesterday and spke to potential Fijian investors and business representatives on the opportunities to invest in his property.
The subdivision proposal is Sanamo Satellite Town Development, a portion of 3162 Millinch of Granville, Nine Mile, NCD, Port Moresby.
Though still in its early stages of development, the land has high potential in residential housing, quarry, hotel, shopping malls and other commercial opportunities.
“I invite Fijian businessmen and investors who are willing to partner up in Papua New Guinean economy and I say this as a Fijian because I’m a Fijian who comes regularly, Fiji being my second home,” Mr Kobol said.
“Fiji has good quality products and things they have and as Melanesian brothers and sisters, we can share this opportunity.
“So I’m here to share my plans so they can come and venture in the development in the fast-growing economy in the Pacific.”

Town development

Mr Kobol’s proposal dated December 16 shows the area has more than 400 clear Land Titles available.
“Machineries are already on the ground and doing site clearance for the erection of first houses,” he said.
“Please be informed that we are not selling vacant land without development as our offer is Land and House Package Sale on negotiable price.”

TRADE MISSION
CLARIFICATION

In yesterday’s Fiji Sun, we reported from a speech in an article titled: “Plans for PM to lead two big trade missions” that Government planned to send two major trade missions overseas in the first quarter of next year led by the Prime Minister, one to New Caledonia and one to Australia.
Government has clarified that the PM or his nominated representative is scheduled to lead a trade and investment mission to New Caledonia but there are no plans for him to lead the scheduled visit of a mission to Australia.

The Fiji Sun strives constantly for accuracy.
If you feel we have got something wrong, or have any complaint about any of our services, please feel free to contact our publisher/chief executive officer, Peter Lomas. You can get him on 999 0712 or by e-mail at peterl@fijisun.com.fj

r Hobbies - Boating, fishing, cooking and gardening r Inspiration - I encourage my staff to do better and always tell them their potential r Ambition in life - To be able to establish my own charity for children in Fiji as my only son adores kids and this charity will be headed by him. r Most passionate about - My son. To groom him to be part of my business empire. r Biggest achievement most proud of - Successfully running four businesses, Natural Fiji, Organic Earth Fiji, Awsamhrm, Natural Fiji Coconut Spa. r Best advice ever received - Never let anything deter you, keep ploughing until you get what you want. r How to achieve work-life balance - Plan and stick to it. I work five days a week around the clock. I avoid taking my laptop home on Friday evening. Saturday-house chores Sunday - a relaxing day. r Most valued possession - My son – Christian Reddy-Bridgemen

Compiled by RANOBA BAOA

Welcome to Hard Talk, where we pose questions to both top executives and budding entrepreneurs on some of the major issues involving business.

Coconut is fast-becoming the commercial ‘it’ business for emerging and established cosmetics companies in Fiji.
This is evident in the way beauty and skin-care companies are marketing it around the world.
One such employer who has taken this ancestral product to the world is Geeta Reddy.
She is the driving force and director of Organic Earth Fiji and Natural Fiji as well as Awsamhrm and Natural Fiji Coconut Spa in Australia.
Ms Reddy moved to Australia in 1988 where she worked for government but had always wanted to create and market a product given her extensive background in marketing.
Ms Reddy has a background in international trade and international marketing and is a former federal government employee of the Australian government.
The ‘coconut lady’ as she is described by her staff and close friends, was always passionate about launching a new kind of product which would take the cosmetics industry to a whole new level.
“One thing I found in Fiji was, there is a monopoly by one company and we need to look at a brand that can also service this market,” Ms Reddy said.
“I took another approach and developed product made from essential oil from flowers.
“We took part in world quality for excellence to find out if our product is of international standards.”
Since the establishment in 2009, the company has to date won four international awards.
This includes the Le Monde World Quality for Excellence Competition held in Athens, Greece annually.
Ms Reddy has established a Research & Development centre in Brisbane and has a qualified chemist on board developing new product range which is to be released this January.

Questions for Geeta Reddy, director of Organic Earth Fiji and Natural Fiji, as well as Awsamhrm and Natural Fiji Coconut Spa in Australia:

1. Tell us about your passion for coconut and your passion to develop it into what some may be seen as becoming an empire?
I love coconut. I eat coconut and I cook with coconut and my dream is coconut.  I actually travel with my soap to any part of the world. There’s a range of products I have established, from body butter, body oil and body bars.
We are launching a pedicure set, a facial range and also shampoo and conditioner in January. So there are about six facial masks, a facial scrub, a moisturising cream for day and night.
We are focussing more on the face now because the face is a very delicate part of the body and you need to get the product right. So we’re developing these products. We have tested them and it is now used in our salons in Australia and now we’re ready to bring it into Fiji. It’s the other way around.
Normally we would have to take it from Fiji and develop it overseas but I’ve developed it the other way around and some of the products actually fly off the shelf.

2. What was your initial investment and what’s your investment to date?
Well, I’ve put every egg in the basket that I have. Initially for both businesses, I’ve poured in about AU$350,000 (FJ$587,430). And in the past financial year, we’ve invested about US$250,000 (FJ$472, 497).
We’ve purchased our commercial property already in Navua because we’ve got so much of packaging and we’re setting up our coconut processing centre. We have imported the coconut processing equipment worth US$70,000 (FJ$132,000). So there’s a lot of things right now. And I’ve got a dream to be the coconut company of Fiji.

3. Tell us where you get your primary products from?
We get the coconut originally from here and work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture. At the bio-fuel division, we buy coconut oil from there. And it has been a good plan because at the moment I’m not geared to get my own but having that from the Government and working with the ministry is fantastic.

4. Why did you establish the brand and set up business in Australia rather than developing the brand in Fiji first?
Fiji being a small country and testing the international standard is difficult. There (Australia) we have access to high spin-over laboratories  and so we also have our results very quickly and that is the main aim to have the Research & Development centre in Australia.
This also boils down to confidence. I am a confident person. I plan very strategically, I plan thoroughly and I don’t like to be a failure. I focus on what I do. I have a mission and objective on what to achieve.
For instance if I need to put a product out in the market it has to be a product that will actually work and not just one to get the name out there. I had a low start but I believed in myself. I had the confidence and the confidence of the staff who have brought me here today.

5. How many employees do you have at the moment?
In Fiji we have close to 15 staff. In Australia I have eight staff but over the years we will see this increase even further. We have grown big time in Australia and our spa this season is fully booked out. We’ve got massage therapists and our beauticians and chemists.

6. What’s Organic Earth Fiji and Natural Fiji’s unique concept which sets it apart from other Fijian-made skin-care products?
We are positioning ourselves as Fiji’s 100 per cent Pure Coconut Skincare Company.  My aim is to develop more products at our R&D (Research & Development) centre in Australia with coconut oil as the base ingredient.

7. What are your current target markets, your future?
We are growing in Australia, Korea, USA and New Zealand.  Our future market is India, Malaysia, Hong Kong China and Japan.  We are gearing up to launch in the Asian Market in the first quarter of 2014.

8. Why is coconut becoming a household name when it comes to beauty and skin-care products?
As you know, coconut is known as tree of life.  Coconut has miracle cures to common health diseases, cold pressed virgin coconut oil has many health benefits and I have testimonials from clients who are using our products.
This is one of the reasons why coconut is getting so popular not only in Fiji but overseas markets as well.  In Fiji it is readily available and I suggest that we all should abandon oils from the supermarket shelves and start making your own virgin coconut oil to cook your meals.
It will certainly make lot of changes to your health.
9. What are your future plans for the company?
Basically I would like to see that we have our own chain spas in Fiji. We’d like to have our own retail stores because we’d like to take it directly to the public.
And because that is the way we are moving towards in terms of doing things as Natural Fiji brand is owned by Jack’s of Fiji. We’d like to expand that lane and work with them very closely and we’re gearing up to launch the new products with them in January.
We would be hopefully moving into our new factory in Laucala Beach by March 2014.  My plan is to establish a coconut processing centre in Navua where Organic Earth Fiji has invested to purchase a warehouse.
Here we would produce our own VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) and RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorised) coconut oil.  We would also expand in other products as well such as jewellery, noni products etc.

10. What is Organic Earth Fiji and Natural Fiji Director Awards and why is it important for you?
What the awards mean to me is I want some loyal commitment from the staff so they progress and grow in the business and they actually are looked after.
The commitment that my staff have given to me over the five years has been enormous. It was first held last year in Brisbane and now this year in Fiji and it important because staff efforts should never go unnoticed.
And if they are committed to my business, I too have to show appreciation for all their hard work throughout the year.

An artist’s impression of the path leading up to the modernised Nadi International Airport.

By RACHNA LAL

Airports Fiji Limited has received approval from both Government and its board on the final version of the Nadi International Airport departure check-in design.
Chairman, Faiz Khan, confirmed final copies have been approved jointly by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and the Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
He said designs have been done by the architectural firm, Woods Bagot, from Brisbane Australia.
Mr Khan said the brief for the design was to have high ceilings with as much natural light as possible.
“The air-condition vents are to be at the highest point of eight feet above floor level,” he said.
“The general theme of the upgrades is to have an airport that feels spacious, with all modern amenities for the business travellers, families, tourists and all Fijians.”

Modernisation plan
This follows the groundbreaking ceremony the past month to begin the ambitious $75 million Nadi International Airport modernisation project.
The entire project is expected to take some 15 months to complete and would be entirely funded by Airports Fiji.
Stage one of this project involves the extension and redevelopment of departures lounge is scheduled to finish in August 2014.
There will also be a kids play area which Mr Khan said would be good for parents.
“The prayer room will be common to people of all religious beliefs,” he said.
“The duty free, specialty retail stores, and food and beverages, will have class and quality seen at other well renowned international airports.”

Attraction for more airlines
Mr Khan said the VIP lounges will focus on getting premium airlines to Fiji and there will also be attraction for medium to low cost carriers.
“We hope that our efforts of building a truly world class international terminal results in Singapore Airlines, Emirates, many Chinese carriers and other well renowned carriers from Asia flying directly to Nadi,” he said.
“We are optimistic of expansion of our business where there will be more for all stakeholders.”
Mr Khan described this to be an exciting yet challenging for time everyone at Airports Fiji.
“All the managers realise that this opportunity to be part of something great in Fiji’s airport history comes with great responsibility,” he said.
“Despite challenges of building at an operational airport, our team is geared to drive this project across the finish line,” he said.

By RACHNA LAL

Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Limited’s key theme next year would be to strengthen local market position in Fiji and Samoa and grow internationally.
The country’s largest brewery operator has highlighted this through the South Pacific Stock Exchange via a shareholder update.
One of the ways Paradise Beverages plans to achieve this would be by aiming to protect and defend the domestic base business.
They plan to invest in draught capability to drive growth, materially increase Vonu Beer distribution in Fiji and drive growth in Corona and Carlsberg distributions in Fiji.
Paradise Beverages will also increase draught ready-to-drink (RTD) rollout in the on-premise channel, innovate with new Tribe and Bounty RTD flavours and leverage the new rum store and Fiji Rum Co portfolio.
The other plan is to drive growth in premium rum.
This would be through the re-launch of Bounty, leveraging the existing aged cellar and strategic capital investment.
Paradise Beverages said they would: “Leverage Fiji Run Co to deliver the ‘Fiji rum experience’, Bounty pack upgrade and range extensions and establish distribution in major rum export market.”

Beer export business
As far as Paradise Beverages’ export ready portfolio (Fiji Bitter and Vonu) is concerned, the brewery will commence exports to Australia and New Zealand in 2014.
Paradise Beverages said it is also scoping opportunities in North America and South East Asia.
As for international partner brands, the brewers will be looking at Corona, Carlsberg and Molson Coors for export in the Pacific Rim markets and will also commence next year.
Paradise Beverages said for operational efficiency they will continue to execute the major over FJ$40 million capital investment plan to modernise the manufacturing facilities and drive operational efficiency.

TFL staff, points to the location of TFL’s newest shop at MHCC yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By RANOBA BAOA

Despite stiff competition from telecommunications company in Fiji, Telecommunications Fiji Limited is adamant to stay on top of its game by responding to consumer needs.
This was the assurance by Telecom general manager Corporate Service and company secretary, Samuela Vadei yesterday as Telecom opened third outlet for this year at MHCC ground floor.
Despite the soft opening the shop estimated to be worth $100,000 investment was soon flooded with customers as they came to take advantage of its special deals.
The most recent outlets were opened in Damodar City Centre and Lautoka.
“In the past, when you walk into a Telecom shop you would find at least one type of service but with our new shops we have consolidated three essential services which customers usually go for,” Mr Vadei said.
These are staff assistance, internet and application services and other tech accessories from our shops, he said.
“We want to do the ‘go to’ market approach and that’s the reason we have strategically located our shop here as well as the other ones around the country.
“Competition is good but it all comes down to service. We understand that price drives a lot of thing in Fiji and so we go down to the people, make time for them and listen to them so we can meet their demands.”
Meanwhile, two shops will be opened in the New Year in Nakasi and Labasa.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Ropate Ligairi with copies of the 53rd volume of the Fiji Agriculture Journal. Photo: UMENDRA PRATAP

By SHEIK DEAN

The revival of the once reputable agriculture journals in the Pacific region marks yet another milestone achievement for the agricultural sector, says Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Ropate Ligairi.
The Fiji Agriculture Journal’s value was enormous he said at its launch at the Tanoa International Hotel Nadi on Friday.
This is the journal’s 53rd volume since its last publication in 1996.
“The revival of this journal will not only contribute to the reform process of sharing knowledge and information but also supporting and enhancing a knowledgeable society,” Mr Ligairi noted.
“The role of the journal is to publish scientific articles, invited commentary/insight papers, state of the art review articles, short notes, book reviews, conference reports, and a calendar of forthcoming events in the agricultural field.,’’ Mr Ligairi said.
He said this sharing of knowledge, ideas and evidence of research by experts is essential in this time and age.
The journal documents findings within Fiji and the Pacific region.
He added that Government was committed and dedicated to serve the people of Fiji and work hand-in-hand with various agencies.
These include international, regional organisations and non-state sectors.

Other achievements
“Few of the milestones to mention are the Ministry of Agriculture signing the MOU to enhance agricultural research for development with Papua New Guinea’s pioneer research organisation the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI).
“Also the first ever National Agriculture Sector policy document has been drafted through the kind assistance of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO).”
The journals will be distributed around Fiji in various libraries to share the findings and knowledge.
From 2014, Mr Ligairi said two issues would be published each year and thanked the various contributors to the journal.

An artist’s impression of Natraj Complex

By MARAIA VULA

Lautoka is going through a resurgence in commercial property development.
The latest development is the $2 million Natraj Mall, located at the junction of Natabua and Dhanus Road.
Last month, the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimara, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the $30 million TappooCity Lautoka project at the development site at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Natraj Mall’s architect Ashok Balgovind and Associates said the need to build the property in this area was high as it was now becoming a densely populated district.
Architect Rohitash Balgovind said:  “This new mall is about giving back something to the people since the initial proposal was conducted through a survey within the area,” Mr Balgovind said.
“Over the past years there has been a drastic increase in the number of residential properties in the area.
“And with the housing developments and FNU nearby we felt the site was not fitting its purpose,” he said.
“Since it’s close to these amenities the site was yelling out for a supermarket and the people in the area travel long distance to Lautoka city to buy their produce.”
The area is flood-free he added.

Construction time-frame
Recently the company advertised expression of interest advertisement where prospective tenants were invited to register their interests to this new mall.
Mr Balgovind said: “As far as the tenancy finalisation is concerned we are looking at starting work in late January and construction works begins two months later hopefully March 1st.
“Rent price ranges from $1200 to $1500 on the ground floor, first floor $800 to $1000 on the supermarket we’re still negotiating tenancy prices with some supermarket owners also with the service station.
“We are talking to various supermarkets depending on the space they are after as we will tailor make it to their requirements as well as other businesses.”
The investment is expected to be complete within eight to 10 weeks as well as be at par with tenants’ requirements.

Complex features

q Total land area is about 2 acres of land and a car park at the central park of the area.
q Space for six shops on the top and bottom floor, a supermarket, a service station, lube bay, car wash area and vegetable market.
q There is also provision for Chinese and Indian restaurants
q Shop standard size is 86.5 square-metres
q Supermarket varies from 500 to 700 square-metres
q Shop standard size is 86.5 square-metres
q The market currently sits at around 70 square-metres which may expand to a 120 square metres with a number of produce people will sell at the market area
q Currently the service station is about 60 square metres and the lube bay about 30 square-metres

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa’s Navo Fine-Dining restaurant.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards board has announced InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa as a multiple finalist. It underscores the role of the resort at Natadola Bay south of Nadi in setting the highest standards.
The nominated categories are Spa & Wellness, Tourism Sustainability, Restaurants, and Accommodation Luxury.
“We are honoured to have been selected for each of these prestigious awards and excited to witness the outcome at the Awards ceremony in February next year”, said Scott Williams, InterContinental Fiji’s General Manager.
InterContinental Fiji’s submissions represented two of its signature elements; Spa InterContinental and its fine-dining restaurant, Navo.
Navo has since won  the acclaimed Moffat Salon Culinare ‘Chef of the Year’ award.

Cementing positioning
It also cemented the resort’s position as having one of the best culinary and coffee offerings across Fiji.
“Since the resort opened these areas have gone from strength to strength and we were excited to show the judges how we continue to grow this line of business and achieve 50 per cent growth year on year” said Mr Williams.
And this was a result they were very proud of, he added. The resort is also a finalist in the ‘Best Luxury Accommodation’ category- an achievement that reflects its position as a premier luxury destination on mainland Viti Levu.

Awards
The AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards is annually run by a committee of independent industry members.
It honours those who showcase quality and excellence in the industry at a prize-giving gala event.
The winners represent the most outstanding members of Fiji’s thriving tourism industry.
“We would like to thank the board for their recognition, and their invaluable contribution to Fiji’s tourism industry”, Mr Williams added.
“To all the finalists I offer my heartfelt congratulations; the nominations are well deserved and we wish all the contestants the best of luck.”
The awards will be held on Friday February 21 at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi.

By ZAFIYA SHAMIM

Peninsula International Hotel in Suva rewarded four top employees for their excellent performance this year on Saturday night.
Director Vinod Gokal thanked all his staff for doing a splendid job for the year.
“We need to work together in order to get good results,” Mr Gokal said.
Hotel general manger Carl Perin said they were happy with the hard work of the staff.
“Everyone should be strong, willing to work long hours and have excellent customer-service skills,” Mr Perin said.
He has urged his staff to continue working hard and wished everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Winners overjoyed
All four award getters were overjoyed with the recognition.
Ravutia Paula was all smiles when he received the Staff of the Year, first runner up award.
“When I received the award, I was so excited and happy,” Mr Paula said.
He said he had been working in the hotel for the past four years now and this was his second award.
“I believe in working hard and giving my best.”

Winners

• Staff of the Year: Ragni Rashita Singh

  From left: Staff of the Year , Ragni Rashita Singh, Staff of the Year (Runner up), Ravutia Paula, and Most Improved Staff, Newamai Radininaceva Biu with their certificates during the awards function on Saturday night. Photo: JONA KONATACI

• Staff of the Year: (Runner-Up) Ravutia Paula
• Most Improved Staff: Newamai Radininaceva Biu
• Staff of the Month (November): Vaviano Tunidau

By RACHNA LAL

The possibility of Fiji Airways restarting a Fiji-Japan service has been discussed.
It’s part of a bid to increase the tourist arrival numbers from Japan which have been declining.
But Fiji Airways managing director/chief executive, Stefan Pichler, said for them to consider to re-open those flights, it would have to be carefully planned.
He said this would have to be only together with a Japanese codeshare/interline airline partner.
“Fiji Airways was flying to Japan 1988 to 2008, but the services to Narita International Airport (in Japan) were stopped because of the operating losses at that time,” Mr Pichler said.
Meanwhile, Mr Pichler further confirmed the Fiji Airways board had approved their five-year plan.
He said details of the plan would be announced at the beginning of next month.

Qantas codeshare

Meanwhile, Mr Pichler has confirmed to the Australia Business Traveller that Fiji Airways is looking to expand its partnership with Qantas to include codeshared flights.
Qantas holds a 46 per cent stake in our national airline.
The two airlines currently operate a basic interline agreement for bookings and baggage handling, along with frequent flyer partnership and reciprocal lounge access.
Mr Pichler recently met with Qantas executives in Sydney for what he described as “a very constructive meeting… hopefully this will lead to an enhanced partnership between Qantas and ourselves.”
“They interline with us at the moment but we’d like to enhance that.
“What we have to do is look at the partnership, at where can we get additional benefits (and) explore the full potential of that partnership.”

Airline alliance

But while the former senior executive at Virgin Blue and V Australia chairman may have warmed up to Qantas, he does not see value in joining any of the airline alliance families such as oneworld, Star Alliance and SkyTeam.
“I don’t believe in any of these alliances,” Mr Pichler said.
“I was part of a Star Alliance team in Lufthansa. It was a good solution in the ‘90s, but now you have to choose partnerships which fit your network (through) codeshare and interline agreements.”

Fiji Airways managing director/chief executive, Stefan Pichler.

OPINION

By ZHIYAD KHAN

It would be hard to imagine our lives without electricity. Waking up in the morning having to make tea without an electric kettle, ironing clothes without an iron, food would not be refrigerated, no television and computer or internet and nighttime activities would be by candlelight.
These connections are simple; electricity (and electricity that is clean and affordable) makes our life easier, more efficient and keeps our economies afloat.
In 2010, the United Nations Secretary General’s Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change called on the international community to ensure universal access to modern energy services by 2030.
The International Energy Agency estimates that investments of US$641 billion are required to achieve this.
That is an ambitious goal and whether or not the world would be able to achieve it depends on the synergies that are created now.
Head of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Energy Programme, Solomone Fifita, said achieving higher levels of access to electricity in the region fundamentally rests with the leadership and wisdom of island leaders and the level of collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He said governments plan should be affordable and sustainable in the long run.

Giant leap by Fiji
The Fijian Government has taken a giant leap in improving access to electricity for its citizens.
In the 2014 National Budget announced the past month, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Energy was given a total allocation of FJ$134.6 million, of which FJ$22.5m or 17 per cent specifically set aside for energy.
The total sum set aside for rural electrification is FJ$8.5 million.
The government hopes to have 90 per cent electrical generation by renewable energy sources by 2015.
It was also announced recently that people living between Seaqaqa and Dreketi in Vanua Levu, will soon have electricity in their homes.
The Seaqaqa-Dreketi extension of the electricity grid is a joint venture of the Fijian Government and the Fiji Electricity Authority.
The total cost of the project is FJ$14 million and it is expected to be opened officially by Prime Minister in January.
Fiji’s efforts to increase electricity accessibility through renewable sources were recognised in the 2013 New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards.
The US$150 million Nadarivatu Hydropower project won the award in the Energy and Resources category.
The project which became operational in May 2012 is generating 101 gigawatts of electricity every year, providing 12 per cent of Fiji’s electricity.
It also is having significant economic benefits to Fiji by reducing the dependence on costly imported diesel, saving the nation FJ$42 million per year.

Bank commitments
Fiji’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, has also made it mandatory for commercial banks to give six per cent of their deposits as loans to the agriculture sector (four per cent) and the renewable energy sector (two per cent).
In December 2012, the deposits held by the banks totaled about  FJ$417 million; the loans and similar liabilities to these two sectors therefore would have totaled about FJ$16.6 million.
The commitment shown by the Fijian Government is encouraging, and these improvements have been made possible with the pooling of resources from stakeholders.
These include government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), aid agencies, and representatives of civil society.

Associated costs
While access to electricity is a vision that many hope to realise, there is a large cost involved.
The cost of electricity in the Pacific is amongst the highest in the world; electricity production through petroleum fuel use is as high as 40 per cent in some Pacific Island states.
The region’s commercial energy needs come from fossil fuels, which accounts for a staggering 95 per cent of the total supply.
The situation is exacerbated by the lack of resources and finance to utilise renewable energy opportunities in the Pacific.
However, the commissioning of the one megawatt solar farm in Tonga in 2012 and the milestone achieved by Tokelau in becoming the first country in the world to become 100 per cent dependent on solar power for electricity generation are positive indicators.

Energy for all
The United Nations Sustainable Energy for all (SE4All) also seems to be rolling out well in the region.
The initiative – which seeks to achieve universal energy access, improve energy efficiency, and increase the use of renewable energy – has been well received by Pacific governments.
Fiji, for instance, is in the process of finalising its national energy policy, which is reflective of the objectives and needs stipulated in the SE4ALL agenda.
The work by SPC’s Energy Programme in the Australia-funded Pacific Appliance Labelling and Standards (PALS) programme is critical in engaging Pacific countries in efficient energy practices.
So far, seven countries have already endorsed the implementation of the PALS programme and its legal standards.
Access to clean and affordable electricity is increasingly being recognised as a basic human need, a prerequisite for living a life in dignity.
Without electricity, people in the world’s poorest countries are deprived of efficient and effective methods of heating, lighting and cooking.
Seven million people in the Pacific are deprived of this basic human need, deprived of living a quality life.

World Bank electricity statistics

• Over 1.2 billion people – 20 per cent of the world’s population, almost all of whom live in developing countries – are still without access to electricity worldwide.
• In the Pacific, 78 per cent of households do not have access to electricity; that is about seven million out of the region’s 10 million people.   
• Access to electricity is higher in small island states (averaging 90 per cent) and Polynesia (averaging 80 per cent) than in larger, more populated Melanesian countries, where overall household electrification rates are on average below 30 per cent.

By RACHNA LAL

As Communications Fiji Limited approaches the end of its financial year, a lower group profit is being expected compared to the previous year.
Chairman Matt Wilson highlighted through a South Pacific Stock Exchange release that unaudited management accounts indicated this.
Mr Wilson said the PNG FM results would be significantly lower reflecting a slower PNG economy.
“However, Paradise Cinemas PNG FM Limited’s associate company continues to progress  well,” he said.
Mr Wilson also noted that the PNG kina having had peaked mid 2013 had depreciated significantly against the Fijian dollar in the second half of the year.
He said the group’s performance in Fiji is also likely to be slightly lower than in 2012.
Managing director, William Parkinson, said: “2012 was exceptional year for the Papua New Guinean economy.
“Like many other companies in Papua New Guinea, we have had to come to terms with a decline in economic growth in 2013.
“As we indicated in our annual report at the beginning of the year, our focus in 2013 has been on consolidation and we expect improved results in 2014.”

Interim dividend
Communications Fiji also announced it would issue a second interim dividend of four cents per share for the 10 months ended October 31.
This brought dividends paid so far for the financial year to 10 cents per share (2012: 12 cents interim dividend).
The board also adopted a dividend policy the past year of distributing 40 per cent of after tax profits.

Chevrolet soon here

By RACHNA LAL

Carpenters Motors, dealers of the Holden brand, has confirmed that Holden has decided to exit the Fijian market.
Carpenters Motors general manager, Roger Powell, said Holden’s decision was based on the low sales of Holden brand vehicles in Fiji.
“Carpenters Motors’ sales of Holden vehicles over the years were very small,” he said.
“Several years back, sales volumes fell to less than 10 per annum.
“This is when Holden decided that it would exit the Fiji market.”
As for those vehicles owners who have Holden vehicles, Mr Powell said Carpenters Motors would continue to support its Holden customers with After Sales Service.
Mr Powell confirmed that Carpenters Motors used to import its Holden vehicles from Holden Australia.
Despite the setback with Holden brand, Mr Powell said Carpenters Motors had an exceptional year in terms of vehicle sales this year, as had the whole motor industry.

Chevrolet dealership
But while Holden has exited the Fijian market, Chevrolet, which has similar designs etc as Holden (just like Hyundai and Kia), would soon enter the market.
Vision Motors, a subsidiary of the Vision Group, has secured the dealership for Chevrolet .
The construction of its Chevrolet showroom is underway in Karsanji Street, Vatuwaqa, Suva.

Holden Australia’s decision to close
Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors, has announced that it would stop production in Australia by 2017.
The move would result in 2900 people losing their jobs in the states of Victoria and South Australia.
There have been fears that Holden’s decision may impact growth and result in job losses in related sectors.
High manufacturing costs, a relatively small domestic market and a strengthening currency have all hurt the sector.
A strong Australian dollar, which has risen nearly 30 per cent against the US dollar over the past five years, had been one of the biggest issues.
It has made foreign cars more affordable for Australian consumers, hurting domestic carmakers.  According to some estimates, imported cars now account for nearly 85 per cent of sales in Australia.
Earlier this year, US carmaker Ford announced that it would stop production in Australia from 2016.
Holden’s decision last week would leave Toyota as the only firm making cars in the country from 2017. There are concerns that the Japanese firm may decide to leave as well.

The 2013 Holden VF Commodore

By WAISEA NASOKIA

Tattslotto winner Taniela Mocenabebe, 46, is still coming into terms with his lucky star after he received his $30,000 cheque in Tavua yesterday.
The Yasawa-i-rara native could not believe he received his $30,000 cheque from Fiji Tattslotto resident executive director Graeme Browne at R Chand’s Curry Corner Tattslotto Agency.
Mr Mocenabebe won the purse prize via scratching a ‘Lucky famous Davui’ ticket on Friday the past week.
“I had my day off and as usual, I would come to town. I bought a newspaper and then bought a ticket. But I did not know that I scratched a winning ticket,” Mr Mocenabebe said.
“It has been two years since playing Tattslotto and I have won $20 and $2 but first time to win such a big money.
“I have heard others win in various towns so I could be the next winner which is what motivated me.”
Mr Mocenabebe works as a security officer at the Vatukoula Gold Mine.
He planned to utilise the money for his daughter’s education and buy a piece of land to build their home.

First in Tavua
R Chand’s Curry Corner Tattslotto Agency owner Shandil Chand said it was a first time someone has won in Tavua.
“I have been running this agency for the past seven years, for the first time someone has won this jackpot,” Mr Chand said.
“We are very excited and this brings hope and joy to a small town like Tavua. Even a chance with a ticket can make you win.”
Mr Browne said: “There would be more winners to win the same amount in coming weeks.”

Fiji Tattslotto resident executive director Graeme Browne (left), hands over the cheque to Taniela Mocenabebe (right) while R Chand’s Curry Corner Tattslotto agency owner Shandil Chand looks on in Tavua yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By MARAIA VULA

FMF Foods Limited has announced plans to expand its already wide variety of product range to grow its market regionally.
Group chief executive Ram Bajekal said: “We are hoping that come 2014, there will be new and interesting products line to grow our market in the region.
“At the moment, we have 140 products. Some are available exclusively for our overseas markets while about 60 products are available locally.”
But while they are trying to expand the product range, FMF Foods is still facing competition in terms of one of its significant products, biscuits.
“We are currently facing a lot of competition with biscuit as it is a snack which is in competition to various other products available in the same market,” Mr Bajekal said.
“We face stiff competition in Australia because it’s our biggest export market.”
FMF Foods plans to combat competition by pursuing quality and producing a growing variety of products.

New silos
Mr Bajekal revealed that at the moment the company was investing over $10 million into six small wheat silos.
“This new project started a few months ago so phase one will finish by February and the second phase ends in August,” he said.

Christmas Initiative
Meanwhile, Mr Bajekal yesterday accompanied Santa Claus to spread the joy of Christmas amongst his staff members in Suva.
He communicated with his 941 staff on the overall view of the business and compared this year with the past year.
“We use an event like this to meet employees and thank them for their hard work and commitment in making and meeting company requirements for the year,” Mr Bajelal said.
“I personally went to talk to the staff to ask their view on what they have enjoyed about the company this year, any improvements to be done, what they dislike and where they see the company in the future.”

FMF Chow Mascot (left) Santa Claus and a Fijian warrior with FMF Foods Limited staff members spreading the joy of Christmas and sharing a light joyous moment at the company factory in Walu Bay, Suva yesterday. Photo: JONA KONATACI

By MARAIA VULA

Fexco (Fiji) Limited and Western Union rewarded 15 lucky customers who participated in its Celebrate Fiji Day and Diwali promotion.
Fexco operations manager Renuka Narayan said the promotion was to increase the Western Union brand awareness.
She said it was also to drive transaction volumes of Fexco agents by monthly cash prize give away.
Ms Narayan said: The objective was to make Western Union a trusted choice for money transfer to and from and within Fiji.
“Every customer who sends or receives money automatically enters into the prize draw to win one of 15 monthly draws to win $100 cash. A total of 30 winners for this promotion.”
The promotion ran for two months from October 1 to November 30.
Viliame Masau of Suva won $100 through this competition.
Mr Masau said: “I couldn’t believe it, I am very happy after they called and told me that I had won $100.
“I only sent money to Lautoka and now I will keep on sending money through Western Union because of their service.”

Fexco operations manager, Renuka Narayan (second left) presents $100 shopping voucher to one of the winning customers. She is accompanied by compliance manager, Filomena Drau and head cashier Lanieta Tuisese. Photo: WESTERN UNION

A memorandum of understanding has been signed giving the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) access to the bus e-ticketing database.
The deal was signed with e-ticketing service providers Foneolgy and Vodafone.
Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority chief executive, Jitoko Tikolevu, said the authority would access the database to extract details of daily sales of bus companies.
“The extraction of the information will be on a case by case basis,” he said.
“FRCA will need to formally request and provide details of what information it is seeking.
“For example, if we feel the need to ascertain the financial status of a bus company, we will use this as one of the means to acquire and verify the information.
Vodafone working in partnership with Foneology will then provide the information.
Mr Tikolevu said this memorandum of understanding would strengthen the authority’s compliance process.
Formalising process
Vodafone Fiji director finance, Divik Deo, said: “FRCA is by law authorised to seek information on financial affairs of any business in Fiji.
“The MOU between Vodafone and Foneology is formalising the process of seeking and supplying the information on e-ticketing transactions as required by FRCA.
“The handling of bus transactions through the Vodafone and Foneology e-ticketing systems means the authority has first hand data on passenger loading transactions on the bus which could assist FRCA in their tax compliance process.”

Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority chief executive, Jitoko Tikolevu, shakes hands with Foneology director, James Trustler, on his right and Vodafone Fiji director finance, Divik Deo, after the memorandum of understanding signing the past week. Photo: FIJI REVENUE AND CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Crockford heads the Fijian operation

By RACHNA LAL
Additional Information: PROACTIVE INVESTORS

Amex Resources has signed a lump sum procurement, construction management contract for development of its Mba Delta Ironsands project.
Works are expected to commence early next year.
It includes the purchase of a mining and transport fleet and construction of wharf and shiploading infrastructure at Amex’s Lautoka port site.
In addition, a short term loan facility of US$25 million has been signed.
It would be utilised to complete advance payment on the contract.
The balance of contract funding has also been secured via a US$80 million facility secured with a major Chinese state-owned firm ranked in the Forbes 500 Largest Global Corporations list.
Amex holds a 21 year lease over the project, which carries a 220 million tonne indicated resource at 10.9 per cent iron.

General manager appointed

Meanwhile, Amex Resources has recently appointed Gary Crockford as its general manager.
Amex Resources managing director, Mathew Collard, said Mr Crockford has over 30 years of operational experience in running and designing heavy mineral separation plants and dredging management.
“He holds tertiary qualifications in both metallurgy and mining,” Mr Collard said.
“He also was chief executive for the Bunbury and Albany West Australian Port Authorities, and most recently general manager – Mining and project director for the development of the Jogjakarta ironsands project in Indonesia.”

Benefits of the project

Amex Resources’ operation will require the services of the existing port, including tugs and pilotage, supply of fuel, customs and maritime safety.
It will also require support and maintenance services from existing businesses and suppliers in Lautoka and elsewhere in Fiji.
Ongoing maintenance and dredging of Amex’s port is anticipated to provide benefits to the existing Queens Wharf access maintenance.
Royalties will be paid to the Fijian Government for every tonne of ironsands product exported, together with rents paid to Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and the Mineral Resources Department.
The company’s operations will also be subject to Fijian income tax. Flow on effects from local support businesses will also benefit the country’s economy.

Mba Delta Project highlights

From left: Amex Resources company secretary, Gary Dunlop, country manager Emori Toloi, general manager Fiji Operations Gary Crockford and managing director, Matthew Collard. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI

• Indicated JORC Resource – 220 million tones @ 10.9 per cent Fe
• Concentrates are grading less than 58 per cent Fe through simple magnetic separation, with very low impurities.
• Metallurgical test work at mineral sands specialists Allied Mineral Laboratories (‘AML’), in Perth, is nearing completion.
• Pilot plant commissioned in Fiji is producing samples of commercial concentrate for export to potential end users in China.
• A successful Pre-Feasibility Study was conducted by ProMet Engineers in Perth, Australia.
• A Bankable Feasibility Study, completed in June 2012, was conducted by Engenium Pty Limited in Perth in conjunction with Applied Technology Management Inc from Dubai for the marine component.
• Special Mining Lease 60 was awarded to the company in May 2011.
• Secured lease over a significant area of the Lautoka port, only 30 km to the South-West of the project. This would ensure an export facility for the magnetite concentrate.
• The proposed mining operation is simple and cost-effective, requiring dredging, magnetic concentration and transport by barge to the secured port facilities.
• Significant untested areas, adjacent to the existing mineral resource, have been identified and may lead to a more than doubling of the current resource inventory.

By RANOBA BAOA
Source: THE NATIONAL

Papua New Guinea’s Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) is anticipating big returns from its major investment in a property development project in Fiji.
Chief executive and managing director Augustine Mano said the recent investment in The Pearl South Pacific Resort, Spa and Championship Golf Course was big and would increase returns.
“After looking at the investment proposal, we thought it is a very good investment and were convinced that it will increase the returns,” Mr Mano said.
A big boost to Pacific Harbour as a tourism hub came early the past month through a major investment by PNG’s Papua New Guinea’s Mineral Resources Development Company.
It came with the opening of the Pacific Bar and Grill at the clubhouse as part of the The Pearl Championship Golf Course’s upgrade.
As new owners of The Pearl South Pacific Resort, Spa and Championship Golf Course, Mineral Resources Development Company was invested US$99 million in the property.
Come 2015, the investment would complete three phases of construction-building for the property.
These are the marina, which is expected to open next month and the building of the new wing and renovation of the old wing of the resort.

Fijian tourism potential
Mr Mano said they made the investment because of their diversification.
“It’s like you have the Lamana group and NASFUND, who are doing their own investment in Fiji … ours is similar,” he said.
“For us it’s part of diversification and also in terms of our influence in the Pacific. The returns at the end of the day is the economic decision.
“In Fiji it has to do with tourism. Tourism is like their heart … just like PNG’s mining and petroleum.”

A view of The Pearl South Pacific Resort, Spa and Championship Golf Course’s swimming pool.

By RAEVENN BREEN

The newly-opened ACC Supermarket in Nadi Town has seen a large number of customers pour past their doors says director Caezar Angco.
Mr Angco, who opened the Supermarket in Nadi Town the past month, said business has picked up over the past weeks.
He said they are expecting an even higher output over the course of the New Year.
ACC Supermarket has a special membership offer whereby members receive special discounts on items displayed on the supermarket shelves.
The cost of this membership fee is $5 per customer per annum, and Mr Angco said they are aiming at gaining at least 10,000 members by the end of 2014.
“Since we are a new company in the supermarket sector we have to be careful with the way things are played until we branch out to different locations,” he said.
“So far, after opening the supermarket, we have seen customers coming in to buy products in bulk because of the fixed, low-cost prices we have on offer.
“Furthermore, if you are an ACC Member, you are entitled to an even further discount.
“Our profit comes from the membership fees that people pay here as well as customers who buy our Quantum brand products.”
ACC Supermarket is also a part of the company ACC Quantum Energy.
The mini-mall complex located on the first floor of the Dee-Mall building in Nadi Town was a three-month project to complete, Mr Angco said.

Cashiers and staff members of ACC Supermarket in Nadi Town busy serving customers doing their Christmas shopping yesterday. Photo: RAEVENN BREEN