The Ministry of Forestry will work with saw millers and loggers in the hope of shifting away from contributing towards the black economy and focussing on the legal economy.
In launching the pledge program to stop illegal logging the ministry’s permanent secretary, Pene Baleinabuli, told stakeholders in Labasa yesterday that a lot of our industries have been contributing to the black economy.
“In our effort to prioritise economic growth, we are doing it the right way and follow the law and look after the environment in making sure that our people are well paid, taxes and FNPFs are paid and other needs met,” he said.
“This is why we are working with other agencies and at times FNFP will be visiting your businesses to get information and this helps a small nation like ours grow and also ensures that wealth from natural resources grows.
“We assure you that this pledge works both ways that while you play your part to follow and work with proper procedures, the ministry will pledge to be efficient.”
Mr Baleinabuli told stakeholders that they needed to work in partnership.
“We pledge to improve the turn-around time in processing applications as we work with other stakeholders and the message is simple, we want to work with you all.
“No one is the good guy or bad guy, we are all Fijians and we need to work together to support the companies and families and put food on the table.
“So please bear with us if some laws may sound new, but there is no new law except these have been in existence and we are bridging the gaps to improve productivity for our nation.”
