By MARAIA VULA
The Fiji Development Bank is now a sub agent for FEXCO Pacific, a certified agent for Western Union Money Transfer.
This was made possible through an agreement, signed yesterday,at the bank’s main branch in Suva.
The agreement allows the bank to facilitate Western Union money transfers in Fiji and abroad through its 11 branches Fiji wide.
FEXCO Pacifi c general manager, Steven Narayan said the partnership would ensure that rural people are well served in areas like Taveuni, Nabouwalu, and Seaqaqa where there are no Western Union outlets.
“We are proud to be in partnership with the bank to be our sub- agent mostly serving our existing and rural customers,” Mr Narayan said.
Fiji Development Bank acting chief executive, Nafitalai Cakacaka, said: “Also we are doing this for the sole reason of providing more access for the general public especially through our rural branches.”
Better customer options
“This is also in line with the financial inclusion programme spearheaded by the Reserve Bank which we are part of,” Mr Cakacaka said.
The bank will also up-skill relevant staff in the various branches on the technicalities of sending and receiving of money before opening its services as a fully-fledged Western Union agency.
“We are going to provide another option for the general public to have access to a faster, reliable and convenient way of moving money as Western Union operates in more than 200 countries.
“This will also be beneficial to bank customers who reside overseas as this will provide them with another platform of remitting payments directly to the bank at a timely manner,” he said.
The bank operates 11 branches throughout the main areas of Suva, Nausori, Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Rakiraki, Nabouwalu, Seaqaqa, Labasa, Savusavu and Taveuni.
FEXCO future plans
Further, the agreement means the bank can now accept payments and remit funds from Western Union customers in cash or through bank cheques from and to anywhere in the world.
Mr Narayan said FEXCO hopes to provide more service and make life easier for its customers.
“Wherever we can we will be right at the door step of the people so that they don’t have to travel very far for our services.
“In terms of competition if we provide a better service everybody will come to us. But at the end of the day people will chose whoever provides the better service,” he said.
Fiji Development Bank acting chief executive Nafitalai Cakacaka (left) with FEXCO Pacific general manager, Steven Narayan, at the Fiji Development Bank building in Suva yesterday. Photo: JUSTINE MANNAN