By MARAIA VULA

FEXCO Pacific, a certified agent for Western Union Money Transfer, is expected to introduce new products to expand its brand.
FEXCO Group executive chairman, Brian McCarthy, said: “In the future, we think a lot of money will be transferred from one person to another by using a smart phone.
“We would spend a lot of energy in trying to develop systems to make it happen and make it a lot easier.
“We might have it in the market in three to four years depending on perfecting the systems but it takes a lot of time because it needs to be tested in the market.”
Mr McCarthy noted investing in these new products would amount to millions.
FEXCO Pacific general manager, Steven Narayan, said the company’s aim was to grow in Fiji.
Mr Narayan said: “We will be looking into other products that will create more employment for people and the opportunities for growing in the Pacific Islands.”

Network event
These comments were made during a networking cocktail event at the Holiday Inn Suva on Wednesday evening organised in honour of Mr McCarthy who was in Fiji to attend the company’s board meeting.
Mr McCarthy said: “FEXCO Pacific covers a whole lot of territories besides Fiji so we had some enlightening issues covering these territories in our one day board meeting
 “First of all, this is my first trip to Fiji as it’s my first introduction to a country where we do a lot of business and definitely it won’t be my last.”
Deputy FEXCO Pacific chairman Alistair Hutchinson said: “This the first time we had our Irish partner have a meeting in Fiji as we operate in 11 Pacific countries.
“I regard Fiji as the hub I am very positive of what is happening here on the economy and about the future.
“Fiji has a strong Reserve Bank and a good government and these are the ingredients that are needed for a good future.”

FEXCO offices
The company recently moved its headquarters to the Damodar City Complex along Grantham Road in Raiwai.

By RANOBA BAOA

Last night marked yet another significant chapter in Fiji’s construction industry as Roofing & Profiles (Fiji) Ltd officially launched its ‘Cyclonic Load Test’ certification for three of its products.
Having undergone a comprehensive three-year long process, the arm of parent company, RC Manubhai Group of Companies, achieved this certification milestone.
Three products namely its roofing profiles SuperDek®, CorruDek® and TileDek® were certified through National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
RC Manubhai director Bhavesh Kumar believed: “It is the very first time a 100 per cent locally owned company, the first and only roll former in Fiji & Pacific Islands to have all its profiles (Namely SuperDek®, CorruDek® and TileDek®) it manufactures fully Tested for Cyclonic Load Tests to NCC 2013 (also known as the Building Code of Australia) for Lo-Hi-Lo.
He said the products manufactured by the company were inarguably one of the best in the region and met world standards and best practices.
“We have invested a considerable amount of money towards this Cyclonic Load Test Accreditation which, I am sure, will also add a lot of weight and thrust to the Governments ‘Buy Fiji Made’ Campaign.”
The products were launched at the Holiday Inn Suva with key stakeholders of the construction industry in Fiji. 

Push for quality products
Chief guest, Attorney-General and Minister for Industry and Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum acknowledged the move by the company to manufacture quality products.
He urged industry stakeholders to push for quality products for the local market as opposed to having high mark up prices where only a few would be able to afford.
“If we are doing something, let’s do it well,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum urged.
“If Fiji is to be riding this wave of trajectory on products, outputs and the quality of people that we have,  the construction that we have should be of sound quality.
 “In that way we will be able to lift our profile and that is precisely what we are encouraging.
“By having a focus on quality we are now able to provide better and quality products for the consumers and also to encourage competition.”

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji chief executive, Neal Slacke (left) and Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities Permanent Secretary, Commander Francis Kean, at a press conference at the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji. Photo: JUSTINE MANNAN

By MARAIA VULA

The commencement date of the Maritime Transport Decree 2013 and the Ship Registration Decree 2013 has been deferred to September.
This was confirmed yesterday by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities Permanent Secretary, Commander Francis Kean, at a press conference at the Maritime Authority of Fiji.
Commander Kean said there were several reasons as to why the deferment occurred.
“A major reason was that we have received numerous requests from stakeholders to defer the commencement date for both the decrees because they needed more time to comply,” he said.
“Most of the stakeholders stated that March 5 was too early but with more discussions, the enforcement date is now rescheduled to September 5.”
Authority chief executive, Neal Slacke, said the feedback was overwhelming after the various consultations with stakeholders.
Commander Kean added: “We also need to complete 31 requisite regulations that are currently being drafted by the authority and undergoing vetting by the Office of the Solicitor General.
“This deferment will also enable the authority to consult more with stakeholders and mobilise their survey and awareness teams to take their services to the stakeholders.”
The authority for the past week carried out consultations with stakeholders in Rakiraki and Denarau while the next consultation is scheduled next week in Labasa, Savusavu and Suva as well.

By SERUWAIA WAQASAQA

People visiting the North will soon have one more option in terms of accommodation in Labasa.
Around $200,000 has been invested in Hotel 88 situated in Labasa Town.
Managing director Huang Guo Sui said since hotels in Labasa are scarce, this will be a good opportunity for the people to stay.
Hotel 88 has eight spacious well-equipped rooms that have both fans and AC with TV, fridge, tea and coffee facilities, electrical circuit breakers in each rooms and ensuite bathrooms.
The hotel also has sound proof windows and a car park.
Hotel 88 has an onsite restaurant that is open for breakfast lunch and dinner.
Meanwhile, Mr Sui is very conscious of occupational health and safety (OHS) and therefore he will not have a bar in his hotel.
Mr Sui also owns the Color Dragon restaurant in Labasa.

Bank South Pacific (BSP) has implemented a new interest rate for its Fixed Term Deposits to offer higher returns for customers.
BSP is now offering a new rate of three per cent per annum for 24 to 60 months.
BSP country manager, Kevin McCarthy, said: “In a subdued market for Term Deposits, we are delighted to offer rates and terms that can suit the goals of any serious saver.”
Designed to suit all types of savers, BSP’s Term Deposits enables customers to earn interest from 0.75 per cent per annum to three per cent per annum.
This can be done by depositing $1000 or more for a minimum term of 1month or up to five years. The rate of return on deposits increases with the term taken.
“Fiji’s bank customers are well-informed and quick to take up a good offer. We are offering great rates that will allow them to grow their wealth,” Mr McCarthy said.
Term Deposit customers with BSP are able to receive interest payouts before maturity date at intervals of six or 12 months.
In addition, they are able to easily transfer this interest income to an alternative savings account, such as EasySaver, where they can earn bonus interest over and above normal interest earned when saving with BSP.
To open a term deposit, interested individuals, families, businesses or a mataqali or Yavusa can simply visit a local BSP branch or call 132 888 for help.  -- BSP

Thriving mud
crab business

Compiled by MARAIA VULA

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

You can be sure of one of the things Fijians living abroad love to take back after visiting home: Seafood.
Whether it is prawn, fish or crab, the seafood from Fiji is always high in demand for Fijians residing overseas. This is essentially because it is naturally bred and has unique taste.
The decision by Wilco Liebregts to start up Crab Company of (Fiji) Limited in Navua in 2011 can therefore be seen as a wise one as he would surely have a market and demand.
The company’s success is evident given the recent launch of its new and improved farming and processing facilities in Navua through assistance from the European Union and the Australian Government.
The facilities are expected to help the business increase production and better serve the market demands for Fijian mud crabs.
Mr Liebregts’ has leased over 80 hectares for his company with a pond area of over nine hectares.
“The pond is from an old salt water prawn farm because we need salt water,” he said.
“We have about 11 ponds plus two small ones. That’s 13 ponds altogether and three mangrove pens.
“The biggest pond is one and half acre and the smallest pond is the nursery pond which over 15,000 square metres.”

Questions for Crab Company of (Fiji) Limited director, Wilco Liebregts :

1. Tell us about your company?
We are the only crab company that’s farming mud crab here in Fiji which we have in our ponds here. At the same time, we have some mangrove pens at the back and that’s really to pilot test on how we are going to work with communities. We want communities to start farming on the mangroves and of course put extra value on the mangroves.

2. How much was invested in the company?
In total, from the company’s side, we have invested over $750,000 so far.

3. Tell us about the quality of your crabs?
For us, farming crab is one thing but to ensure the crabs we sell are always full of meat is a must. We have the technology and the skills to make sure every crab we sell is full of meat. When you go to the market, you don’t know if the crabs you buy are full or empty, claws can be missing and sizes differ. This is because you buy them in one bundle and you can never be sure if one is dead.
But if you go to a resort, a high class resort cannot afford to give a crab with little meat inside because they want the customer to have the best quality. So the chefs are very happy with our products because we deliver that. If they want 20 kilos of crabs, we guarantee they are all full. So 20 kilos will gave them 20 to 30 crabs.

4. Are you considering the export market?
Yes that’s one of the big plans as we are not exporting at the moment. While we are developing the market here, we are actually looking at developing an export market especially to send a few hundred kilos of fresh crabs.
But we have a person from Nauru who comes and buys 20 to 30 kilos. Once he lands, he puts it up for sale and it’s sold within an hour. So we ourselves are not directly exporting, but our crabs are exported but not necessarily by us.
We could start exporting soon as we have some overseas interest from Europe. This is an Italian company interested in getting our crabs and then it comes first to the negotiations to see what requirements to supply that market.

5. Have you identified which markets already?
We have just done with the help of the Secretariat of the Pacific an initial study for the Chinese market. That’s not yet finalised but as soon as we get a draft report, we will comment on that.
We will not be able to export live crabs to Australia because of their quarantine issues. But we are looking at New Zealand and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji has already put in a request in New Zealand. If we can export live mud crabs, that will be an ideal market because we have buyers there.
The biggest seafood importer in New Zealand has come here and he wants our crabs and he has stated that very clearly. He tasted it as we gave him a sample and he saw how we grow them.

6. Where are the crabs supplied from?
No we don’t import anything because when you import things, you have the risks of diseases. What we do is we breed our own crabs in the hatchery that we have at the University of the South Pacific.

7. What is so unique about the Fijian mud crab?
The Fijian crab or the crab we have here is produced all over Asia as well it’s in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Australia. But over there, very few people can really farm the crabs.
In Asia the water is normally polluted around the coast whereas here, we have a very pristine ecosystem so our crabs are fresh, tasty and grows in a very stress free environment. So the taste is better and produced under the highest environmental conditions and our crabs are actually better than these other ones that have been brought from the wild.

8. Whom do you supply to in the local market?
Our most regular customers in the west are Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Fiji Beach Resort and Spa Managed by Hilton and Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort.
Then we have the Pearl of the South Pacific Resort, Baka Blue which is a small café that wants our big crabs because they have a tasty recipe for it. We also have Castaway Island, Mana Island, Holiday Inn Suva, Wakaya Island, Laucala Island, First Landing and there’s several more that are regular customers but are not necessarily weekly.

9. What can you say about supply at the moment?
Our supply is quite low at the moment and we are maintaining the customers with what they need. We are not aggressively pushing our products because we don’t have enough in the pond. In March (this month) it will pick up again big time. In April, we should be in full production again and we should be able to supply 300 to 400 kilos per week.

10. What are some of the challenges you are facing?
When you run a farm like this, the weather is the least of your problems – the technologies have to work finely in tune. We have had both our big water pumps break down and suddenly you find you can’t refresh the water quickly enough and that is when the crabs start dying. And then we have several cases of theft over here.

By RACHNA LAL

Another international accolade for Fiji Airways - this time being named among one of the world’s most effective rebrands in the ReBrand 100 Global Awards.
ReBrand is the world’s leading resource for brand transformation case examples and expertise.
Only four other brands globally won the top award this year with Fiji Airways being the only airline company.
Other winners include Cancer Research UK, the Institute for Creative Health, Jason.L and Pact.
Fiji Airways managing director/chief executive, Stefan Pichler, said: “It’s extremely pleasing to note that our rebranding continues its momentum.
“It was clear, beyond representing Fiji on the global stage, that our return to Fiji Airways will deliver long-term benefits for our country and our airline.
“This is by delivering a truly authentic identity, one that showed the depth of culture and natural diversity that Fiji offers.
“Working with Makereta and FutureBrand Australia ensured we were able to retain the integrity, beauty and meaning of one of Fiji’s richest art forms and apply this successfully in a visual identity.”

Review panel
Each year, an international panel of industry experts convenes to jury this annual competition.
Their review is of imagery, written summaries, and supporting elements that can include video and physical environments.
Winning selections are for executed strategy that made an emotional connection and met strategic objectives with relevance to current audiences and prospects.
ReBrand described that Fiji Airways’ rebranding was more than a design change as it symbolised the return of the national airline to Fijians.
“A key success measure was increased awareness of our name ‘Fiji Airways’ in key and emerging markets and greater alignment with the destination,” it said.
“Searches for ‘Fiji Airways’ in key markets increased 235 per cent with an overall 20 per cent increase in airline search volume reported in the month following the rebrand.”

By SHEIK DEAN

Fiji Airways this week hosted cargo brokers for the inaugural Fiji Airways Million Dollars Awards night at the Trans International Hotel in Nadi.
This was in a bid to recognise the hard work and sheer determination of all cargo brokers contributing immensely towards the freight business of Fiji’s national air carrier.
Fiji Airways managing director/chief executive, Stefan Pichler, said this achievement depends on the partnership Fiji Airways has established with cargo brokers.
“The cargo market is quite dynamic and plenty more opportunities,” he said.
“We are trying to increase the network and trying to increase the product and services we offer to enhance our partnership.”
Mr Pichler said the Fiji Airways’ cargo team will strive to deliver the best services and try to reach more agreements with other industry partners out of Fiji.

Right direction
Customers Brokers and Freight Forwarders Council of Fiji vice president, Mahendra Singh, feels the freight forwarding industry is heading in the right direction.
“We are heading in the right direction and we standby to work together with Fiji Airways to strengthen this relationship,” he said.
Mr Singh said during the transition of Air Pacific to Fiji Airways, there had been some concerns raised by cargo and customs brokers.
“Some concerns were raised during the change over regarding cargo and space,” he said.
“But the assurance from Fiji Airways cargo team of listening to our issues and arrangement were being made with other organisations.
“We will standby and make our importers and exporters more successful in Fiji.”

By MARAIA VULA

Boomerang Jewellers Limited’s closing-down sale is not a gimmick.
Managing director Jayanti Lal said: “Because I’m selling everything and closing down my shop.
“We have received a few enquiries from interested buyers to take over the Boomerang name and if things go well somebody will but it’s not fixed yet.
“This closing-down sale started in mid-January and maybe in April or May, we might hand over depending on the day-to-day sale because it’s a big question.
“The closing down sale prices are suitable for every person; it’s ranging from $10 to more than $1000 and these prices are unbeatable,” he said.
The 65-year-old said he was retiring to take care of his health.
He also explained that his children were not interested in taking over the business because young generations these days wanted to do their own thing.
“My customers are not happy; I told them my health was not right and I needed to have a break and they must understand my situation,” he said.
“My suppliers are not happy either but I told them I would still support them and whoever takes over will have everything transferred to them.
 “The business has been well-established for the last 40 years and we are still doing good business even during the last five years.”
He added: “We are still working out the total value of the business but stock is sold on a walk-in-walk-out basis complete with the shop fittings and other stuff.”

Hot Bread Kitchen Franchising (Fiji) Limited company chairperson Dr Mere Samisoni (left).

By MARAIA VULA

Hot Bread Kitchen has invested $300,000 into two new shops.
Company chairperson Mere Samisoni said: “Firstly, Hot Bread Kitchen has a policy of investing for expansion although we have had to slow this down for several years.
“The investment for RB Centrepoint was $150k and $200k for Damodar City. The latter had additional equipment for making our range of health breads.
“The locations of our two new shops were chosen because of the high rate of pedestrian traffic at those places,” Dr Samisoni said.
The new shops were opened late last year.

Further investment
Dr Samisoni explained they had nothing further planned at the moment in Fiji but they are looking regionally.
“Our company Hot Bread Kitchen Franchising (Fiji) Limited is however having discussions in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea about establishing the Hot Bread Kitchen line in those countries,” she said.
“We welcome competition as we compete on customer service and quality,” 

	Employment creation
The RB Patel shop has nine employees, including six who were already part of the Hot Bread workforce.
The shop at Damodar City has 17 staff.
“Ther are 12 new staff and five have been transferred from other shops.
“The impact of this re-structure, provided opportunities for staff to be promoted up the HBK career structure, where we transferred senior employees to the new sites,” she said
Dr Samisoni pointed out 19 staff from the two shops were new and 10 were continuing staff.

Prime Fiji workers fixing street lights around Suva city. PHOTO :RONALD KUMAR

Australian company maps plan to equip
local staff
By MARAIA VULA

Prime (Fiji) Limited is now working to improve street and traffic lights after winning a fiji roads Authority tender.
Company chief executive Shane Halliday highlighted that there were two issues behind the current poor lighting network.
“Part of the issues we face is that there has been a lot of poor quality products dumped on the Fijian market and installed to very poor standards,” Mr Halliday said.
“Prime (Fiji) provides end-to-end solutions with a 12-month warranty and 24/7 helpdesk response and all installed to Australian and New Zealand standards.”
The Australian-owned company is dedicated to increasing productivity in all areas of its functions.
The company won a public tender process in mid-2013 through the Fiji Roads Authority.
“The parent company, Prime Facility and Asset Management Group, had invested over $1.5 million to set up the company even before it started trading in August 2013.
“This company was set up specifically to work on traffic signals and street lighting for the roads authority,” he said.
The company was also to provide maintenance and new installations and project works on street lights and traffic signals.

Company plan
Mr Halliday, who is also the largest shareholder in the company, has mapped out a plan to drive the company.
“The plan is to equip our local staff and enable them to find their true potential with specialised training and introducing industry best practices,” he said.
“Also working with local supply partners on providing quality equipment and lighting standards for Fiji, and improving the life cycles of equipment.”
Mr Halliday said that as the company grows they would explore other technical engineering requirements and tap into the resort and building sectors.
The company head office is based at 17 Ackland Street in Vatuwaqa, Suva, with a branch office in Lautoka.

Business progress
The company has recently increased its stock orders and is carrying stock in excess of $150,000.
“As we cover more of Fiji we discovered that there was a great need for repairs and upgrades to the current installed lights throughout Fiji,” he said.
“Our teams are replacing and repairing over 300 to 400 issues a month and we have only just scratched the surface.”
The company noted a lot of positive feedbacks but they know it’s still the beginning and more work needs to be done by its teams.
“We have completed the new traffic signals on Victoria Parade and Macarthur Road. Now we are completing work on Laucala Bay Road and Harris Road,” he said.

Future plans
The company will continue to upskill local staff, as well as work on health and safety training.
He said: “We plan to improve the lighting standards with standardised light fittings and wattage and to look at a more sustainable future for lighting and maintenance.
“We are upgrading the traffic signals systems; the roads authority has approved the upgrade of the SCATS systems.
“This system is a computer-based control system to better automate and alert faults across the traffic signal network,” he said.

By MARAIA VULA

Deluxe Footwear Fashions Limited has expanded to Nakasi.
An investment of close to $100,000 was made to open its new outlet late last year.
Company managing director, Dharmendra Parmar, said: “Everything is quite expensive and you have to do everything right from the start.
“We have too many stores in Suva city so we decided to setup in centres where people need us and that is why we moved to Nakasi and to places where there is no shoe shop.
“It’s not only about making money but providing services to our customers, which are part of our service now.
“The new outlet is good for our customers who live within the Nasinu to Nausori corridor who don’t have to drive to Suva to buy shoes,” he said.
In total the company has 70 employees in all its outlets and factory as well.

Deluxe outlets
Deluxe has six outlets throughout Fiji at the moment, four in Suva, one in Nadi and one in Nakasi.
“We must be catering for about 60 to 70 brands at the moment in different sizes and exclusive brands, we sell about 50 in- house brands as well,” he said.
“We do direct manufacturing and packing in our own factory at Vatuwaqa, so the customers get good deal, quality and value for money.”
He explained that they manufacture their sandals in Fiji under the brand name TUFF.
“It’s done pretty well. It’s already sunk in two months ago since its launch and sales for this has been good and customers who buy it are happy.”

Target market
He noted Fiji was already their market.
“Now we are selling to Papua New Guinea and Samoa and we are also looking at a few other countries; our nearby neighbours,” he said.
“Exporting is very important and foreign exchange is also involved; we are raking in money and also creating awareness on the other side.
“Fiji is too good and it’s on another level; whereas PNG has no shoe manufacturing factories, no shop or nothing exclusively done,” he added.
“For our company there is no competition because we have raised our products as number one products and we won’t substitute.”

Auckland – Fiji Airways says the rise in departure tax from its home base is not putting off travellers as the airline embarks on an ambitious five-year plan to increase revenue.
Departure tax went up from just on NZ$96 to NZ$128 on January 1, disappointing some in the industry.
Fij Airways chief executive Stefan Pichler said the airline had at first been worried about the new fees.
“We were scared that might have influenced demand but it hasn’t – there was zero impact on demand.”
Pichler said the extra charge would add about 2.5 per cent to average package tour prices.
The extra income was tagged for infrastructure development, environmental projects and education.

Island competition
Flight Centre’s general manager of product, Simon Mckearney, said customers will not have noticed the charges as they are included in the price of package tours but it could be a deterrent for the budget-conscious.
“Fiji is always going to be a popular destination and the consumer doesn’t see it when it’s built into ticket cost,” he said.
“Would it drive the consumer away? Probably not but as it gets up there, the other islands like the Cooks which are really competitive at the moment [will] start to [promote] their pricing.”

Plan next five years
Fiji Airways last year changed its name from Air Pacific, the culmination of three years of change as it swapped its fuel-hungry Boeing 747s for more efficient Airbus A330s.
Mr Pichler said during the next five years, the airline would concentrate on improving profit, aiming to grow from the current break-even position to profits of FJ$68 million by 2017.
The airline also wanted to add a new aircraft to its fleet every year, which would increase capacity 35 per cent from 1.3 million seats, and boost passenger numbers by 39 per cent over the next five years.
The airline aims to increase capacity in New Zealand by 59 per cent from 237,000 seats a year at present.

No aggressive discounting
Mr Pichler said Fiji Airways would not get drawn into aggressive discounting to fill seats.
“With a better product you’re always trying to get more money out of it. It’s driven by the market, we’re not dumping capacity, we’re not discounting our product, he said.
“We want to be in a win-win situation with everybody – we want to have a sustainable price.”

Schedule to suit needs
Fiji Airways has altered its schedule to allow same-day connections from Auckland to Los Angeles.
While Air New Zealand remains the only airline flying directly across the Pacific, Fiji is the only other carrier flying the route daily.
Mr Pichler said his airline was deepening ties with Qantas, which included enhancing interline agreements and lounge access.

Management shakeup
Fiji Airways was nearing the end of a big management shakeup in which external consultants had been replaced by senior airline managers.
“You choose the right people to fit the boxes, it’s a very clinical process,” Mr Pichler said.
Mr Pichler had appointed Carolyne Gregory, formerly director of inflight services at Aer Lingus, to take charge of product and service and was also about to appoint a yet-to-be-named Australian as executive marketing and sales director.
The airline was also eyeing fuel and currency hedging policies.
“When you run an airline you have factors you cannot manage, fuel, currencies and the interest charged on loans, he said.
“Right now the fuel price is okay, it’s below our budget levels.”

Fiji Airways
Aims to build staff numbers from just over 1000 to 1300 in the next five years.

The fleet:
- 3 Twin Otters
- 2 ATRS
- 4 737s
- 3 A330s
- New Zealand Herald

Sri Lankans restructure to strengthen manufacturing, product portfolio

Shaw Wallace Ceylon Limited products being showcased.

Colombo: Renuka Shaw Wallace PLC announced in a Stock Exchange filing on Friday that its 100% subsidiary, Renuka Consumer Products Limited, has sold slightly over 19.7 million ordinary voting shares in Shaw Wallace Ceylon Limited for Rs.211.2 million representing 21.12% of the voting shares in issue to C.J. Patel & Co. Ltd. of Fiji.
Shaw Wallace Ceylon is a subsidiary of Renuka Consumer Foods and the two companies have an agreement with C.J. Patel to develop their manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio, the filing said.
The C.J. Patel group with headquarters in Fiji operates in ten countries, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and India among others.
The group’s business includes manufacturing noodles, confectionery, dairy and fish products and distribution of international brands. The company is also into media and automotives among other businesses.
Renuka Consumer Foods now owns 42.24% of the issued voting shares and 75.87% of the issued non-voting shares of Shaw Wallace with C.J. Patel and its nominees also holding 42.24% of the issued Shaw Wallace voting shares.
Friday’s filing by Renuka Shaw Wallace also said that Renuka Teas Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd. has purchased from Renuka Agri Foods 100% of the shares of Renuka Teas comprising 1.25 million ordinary voting shares and 1.25 million ordinary non-voting shares for a consideration of Rs.96.9 million. Renuka Agri Foods PLC announced that the proceeds of the sale will be used for investment in its core business of plantations/farming, manufacturing, marketing, export and local distribution of coconuts, dairy and fruit products. - Sunday Island

By KELVIN DAVIS

(Kelvin Davis is the director of Greymouse, a cloud service-provider that supplies high quality, time-bound and cost-efficient services through its own facility in Fiji.)

The writer says the Australian car industry ‘s pending death signals major changes in the Australian workforce.

http://tinyurl.com/news-holden-cars-loss-of-jobs

Out in the Cold
As thousands of workers in the car manufacturing will be left “out in the cold”, there is no conspiracy theory because the Australian car manufacturing sector had become so small, it has caused each company to rely on the other for survival.
The collapse of Ford, Holden and now Toyota was inevitable as all three announced their shut down within nine months of each other.

http://tinyurl.com/news-why-car-toyota-conked-out

Writing Long been on the Wall
- The industry has been transitioning for a while; it’s just that the pace of the transition became faster than people anticipated.
- Managing Director for Harrington Industries recently completed work on a new plant in Thailand as they have tried to work around the fact that they already knew the Australian auto industry was very vulnerable.
- Car parts maker MTM Pty Ltd also looking overseas, since Australia’s last recession in 1992. This supplier needed to reduce its reliance on local automakers and the boom/bust cycle they were enduring even back then.

http://tinyurl.com/smh-vulnerable-wall-car

Production Figures
As revealed in the report by Allen Consulting Group, commissioned by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the weakness of the industry’s position is stark.
- Australia now produces only 225,000 vehicles, compared with 407,000 in 2004.
- By comparison, China makes 15.5 million cars
- Japan 8.5 million
- Germany 5.4 million,
- Brazil 2.6 million
- and France 1.7 million http://tinyurl.com/theaustralian-end-handouts-an

So what’s Driving the Decline?
The Australian auto industry is under extreme pressure from imports and is suffering significant decline in market share as well as in the actual volume of cars produced.
- Even now, at its current level of the low $US90c range, the exchange rate is hurting the local car industry. (a critical important point).
- Stuck as they are in making mostly medium-to-large sedans, the local car companies are also at fault
- There is a strange failure by the industry to adapt to change in the local market and this failure must reflect adversely on management.
- Government policy, too, has failed to take up its role in effecting change because instead of offering a subsidy for production, the government could have been more forceful in shifting local production to match local demand.
- Many people think that private firms are nimble and highly adaptable, but the giant US car industry was almost brought to knees in the 1970s and 80s by a failure to respond to the small car, high quality revolution introduced by the Japanese.
- Personally I drive a Japanese Toyota Prius and enjoy the fuel efficiencies that it brings every week. (Prius is an Electric Hybrid vehicle)

http://tinyurl.com/abc-toner-car-australia

What are the Losses if Industry Fails?
Calling for the withdrawal of support for the car industry could bring about its demise, and with it, a reduction in average productivity in the Australian economy. If you shut the industry down because of policy indifference then you must expect the following:
- Reported impact of 50,000 job losses
- You end up cutting productivity per worker across the economy.
- The loss of an important part of Australia’s technological base because of the sheer breadth of technologies that are involved in the production of a motor vehicle.
- Metallurgy skills lost, such as complex casting of alloys
- Sophisticated machining centers
- Electronics and software into engine management and safety systems
- Robotics used in assembly and painting
- Chemicals and paints
- Sophisticated work organization and logistic systems
- The trade, technician and engineering skills supported by the car making industry.
The car industry closing will not send Victoria, South Australia or Australia into a recession. But the reality is the transition to the new and better jobs mostly won’t include those car workers.
And those who do find work in the services sector, are likely to see themselves working fewer hours, or taking home less pay, or having less certainty about their ongoing position. These workers will find themselves in new industries.
Welcome to the new economy.

Nanuku Resort & Spa, Fiji, Ocean View Residence Villas .. and resort facilities

A new luxury resort near Pacific Harbour quietly held a soft opening on the weekend, bringing an all-villa concept within an easy drive from the capital.
Nanuku Resort and Spa has been developed on the site of what was the former Taunovo Bay Resort near Pacific Harbour.
It features six big residences, five beachfronts on Beqa Lagoon and one on a volcanic outcrop looking out on to the Beqa Lagoon.
General manager Karen Taylor, who brings vast experience in operating such small luxury resorts, said yesterday of the soft opening, “A pop up market with local foods featured in bamboos and also natural leaf plates were served by our staff during the soft opening.
“Our staff also performed the fire walking and meke for the international guests from around the world, attending the Moneywise conference for Flight Centre.
“Moneywise held an international conference for Flight Centre and booked the resort out for their exclusive use.
“They kindly gave the team a 10/10 across all their experiences, and said it was their best conference, ever,” she said.
The official opening is scheduled for April when the private Chicago owner visits the resort.
About the resort
Ms Taylor noted the resort would be exclusive only for in- house guests and is not open to walk in visitors.
“We are the first inclusive, all luxury resort in Fiji on the mainland with all villa residences that accommodate from two to 18 guests. Each villa has its own private garden, pool and beachfront.
“Our amenities include spa and wellness centre with gym, spa on the beach, swim up pool bar, free wireless internet.
“As well as care support for all young children or those with special needs and creative workshop.
“We are the first to say, luxury, adventure and culture… and to deliver a unique bespoke experience including adventure and food safaris into the local hinterland.”
Each residence includes more than one suite or villa and these can be taken separately or combined for larger groups.
The resort’s Lomana day spa has indoor and al fresco treatment pavillions.
An overseas travel writer who was among guests at the resort, Christine McCabe, of The Australian newspaper, says, “Huge, air-conditioned living and entertaining areas are complemented by luxurious en suites with spa baths, while outdoors the private landscaped gardens feature expansive decking and comfy day beds.
“With all villas offering full board, executive chef, Walther Whippy, is charged with turning out zinging-fresh “Pacific Cuisine” featuring local seafood, organic garden produce and the best imported meats.
“Guests may take their meals in the resort’s Club House bar and restaurant with its pool and lagoon views, dine in-villa or tee up a special off-piste meal in a variety of locations, including the resort’s own private island.”

Target market
Ms Taylor said their target market would be those who are discerning, active and adventure seekers.
“Multi-generational groups who have a wide range of needs to be catered for, people who want an authentic and genuine experience.
“We cater for those who may also need a private space and time, and want to feel valued and cared for without compromise.”

Local staff
The resort staff is mainly made up of locals.
She said: “The resort has 80 staff working in the spa, gym, kitchen, maintenance, landscaping, front office and administration, boutique, creative workshop, activities and housekeeping.
“All staff in operations are part of our guest services team that are multi-skilled and trained to know all aspects of the resort.
“All of them are local residents of Fiji while some have come to Nanuku to work with me from previous roles in other parts of Fiji,” she added.

Vodafone chief marketing officer Sanjeewa Perera winning coiuple and their child. Photo: VODAFONE FIJI

A couple was all smiles after they were announced the winners of Vodafone’s Valentines text to win promotion.
Our customers were given the chance to take part in the Valentine’s Promotion and win not one but two high-end smart phones, said Vodafone’s chief marketing officer, Sanjeewa Perera.
The promotion was for a month and the draw was done at the Samabula Police Station by Constable (PC # 4934) Moape Civiyawa.
Merewalesi Ravatulevu and her partner Setareki Tuinaceva of Nakasi could not believe their luck when handed over the Samsung Galaxy S4 and a Samsung Mini worth $2,500.
“I had taken part in the promotion after reading the text message from Vodafone. It is a strike of luck as it is the first time I took part in any competition and I had only texted once,” Ms Ravatulevu said.
“I thank Vodafone for giving us the chance to take part in such competitions where we win great prizes.”
We had a quiet Valentine’s Day at home and did not expect to win Mr. Tuinaceva said.
Mr. Perera whilst handing over the prizes to the couple mentioned that Customers can try their luck in the next promotion where a new Mitsubushi Sportero worth $82,000 is up for grabs.
Next promo
All customers have to do is take part in the promotion by texting “L200” to 362. Each text costs 99 cents and customers can take part in the promo multiple times.
You never know when lady luck strikes at your door, Mr Perera said.

Vatukoula Gold Mines said Zhongrun International Mining is awaiting approval to provide the second $20m tranche of a $40m funding agreement.
This is relating to the Vatukoula Gold Mine.
Zhongrun is awaiting approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) of the People’s Republic of China.
It expects the clearance of these funds to be granted during March.
As of yesterday 8:31am (LON:VGM) Vatukoula Gold Mines PLC share price was +0.12p at 7.25p.
The funding by Zhongrun is part of a long-term strategy to reposition Vatukoula Gold Mine and to assist the mine in achieving its long-term production targets of in excess of 100,000 ounces per annum.
In an earlier report it was noted that the next 10 million of equity was anticipated to be completed by the end of the month October.
The remaining $20 million was to have been completed by the end of January.  --Vatukoula Gold Mines PLC

Qantas has struggled amid growing competition in both its international and domestic markets

Sydney: The Australian government has said it will look to repeal rules that restrict foreign investment in the struggling airline Qantas.
Current rules limit the total foreign holding in Qantas to 49%, with foreign airlines allowed to own just 35%.
Qantas has claimed the rules have hurt its growth.
It says the rules create an uneven playing field, with rival Virgin benefitting from increased foreign investment in recent years.
“I have enormous faith in the ability of Qantas to compete and to flourish, but I think it is best placed to compete and to flourish if it is unshackled – and un-propped up by government, I hasten to add,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott said.

‘Best option’
The ownership rules were incorporated in the Qantas Sale Act ahead of the airline’s privatisation in the 1990s.
Qantas has been lobbying for a change in the rules as it continues to struggle amid increased competition and financial losses.
But government plans to introduce the necessary legislation are likely to face stiff opposition.
Both the Labour and Green parties have said they are against removing the foreign ownership restrictions.
They have cited concerns that such a move may see jobs at the airline lost to foreign countries.
“Tonight Tony Abbott has created a new export industry: Australian jobs,” opposition leader Bill Shorten was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC).
However, Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said that repealing the ownership rules was the “best option” available.
“Removing the shackles on Qantas and allowing it to compete on a level playing field is the best guarantee for the workers [and] it is the best guarantee for the sustainability of Qantas as both a domestic and an international airline,” he told ABC. — BBC

Joe Taoi.

The Fiji Indigenous Business Council symposium will be focusing on strengthening iTaukei entrepreneur’s decision-making.
The symposium, in partnership with Fijian Holdings Limited, will be held on March 19 and 20 at the Holiday Inn Suva.
Council secretary Joe Taoi said the theme for the first day of the symposium depicts the council’s aspirations.
“Our point of view is as iTaukei entrepreneurs, we need to make firm decisions,” he said.
“Like any decision, it must be informed, calculated, hence, the idea of sharing the theme ‘Indigenous businesses: creating our future’.
“The first day is directed towards promoting market access, networking and partnership with Melanesian indigenous community.
“Our key speakers were assessed on merit and experience that will offer quality advice to allow us to make decisions that is commercially sustainable and operationally viable.”

Fostering relationships
The speakers are indigenous business council leaders from the Melanesian Spearhead Group countries.
Mr Taoi highlighted the idea was to discuss various strategies that they can learn to foster closer working relationship.
“Moving into a new market is a challenge particularly with culture, geographic location and cost of doing business,” he said.
“It is the same challenges that are currently faced by private sectors and issues such as shipping, trade mission and boarder agencies protocol will sure be discussed.
“We are hoping that strengthening networks would create needed market penetration and partnership between boarders.”

Registration
r Registrations can be made at the Freight Services (Fiji) Limited at 24 Edinburgh Drive in Suva.
r Council members pay a fee of $130
r Members of the public pay a fee of $250 (both inclusive of meals)