Earlier this year, BRED Bank Fiji established a partnership with the International Finance Corporation to support the growth and job creation potential of small and medium enterprises, and partnerships of this nature can help connect Fiji's businesses to capital, knowledge, technology and international expertise.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted this while opening BRED Bank Fiji's new Head Office at the FHL Tower this evening, saying this is particularly important as Fiji seeks to strengthen its participation in regional and global markets.
Rabuka says Fiji's economic future will increasingly depend on its ability to connect local enterprises with regional and international opportunities.
He says this means improving productivity, strengthening standards, expanding exports and building businesses that can compete beyond Fiji's domestic market.
The Prime Minister says the people of Fiji are at the centre of the country's development, and economic growth must create real opportunities for them.
He says the government wants young Fijians to have opportunities to build their futures here, entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, rural and maritime communities to participate more fully in economic activities, and businesses to be productive, competitive and capable of creating good jobs.
Rabuka says achieving this requires strong institutions, responsible businesses and partnerships built on trust, while good governance, accountability and integrity must remain at the centre of these efforts.
He says tonight's opening marks an important new chapter for BRED Bank Fiji and he has encouraged the bank to continue building on its achievements while remaining focused on the needs of Fijians and the growth of the economy.
The Prime Minister says there are opportunities to do more to support MSMEs, expand financial inclusion, strengthen digital banking, support climate resilience and increase access to finance for productive investment.
He says these are areas where the government and private sector can work together.
Rabuka says the government's goal is a more productive, resilient, inclusive and competitive Fiji.
He adds the new head office is more than a building as it represents confidence in Fiji and a commitment to serving the country's people and businesses.
