Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Premila Kumar says that hiring of local construction workers by companies abroad has resulted in a shortage of skilled workers in the industry.
While speaking during the Construction Industry Council Trade Show, Kumar says the sudden demand and the shortage of skilled workers must be seen as an opportunity for the education institutions to provide training for the workforce.
She says this will ensure that the construction industry is able to cater for the demand of skilled workers at all times.
Meanwhile 273 building permit applications were recorded in the first three months of this year, with a value of $231 million.
Kumar says that the beginning of 2018 saw major developments taking place which resulted in a higher value, whilst towards the end of 2018, more residential building applications were recorded, which resulted in a lower value.
She also said that in 2018, the number of building permit applications increased to 1,725 with a value of $370 million, out of which 48% was received from the Western Division, 37% from the Central Division and 15% from the Northern Division.
Kumar says that according to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, the total number of building permit applications approved in 2017, stood at 1,618 with a monetary value of $353 million.
22 exhibitors are taking part in this trade show.
4 exhibitors are foreign-based in this trade show.
Kumar hopes to see more international exhibitors in years to come.
The trade shows is happening at Grand Pacific Hotel and ends tomorrow.
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