The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation president Sandeep Chauhan has stated some of the essential businesses were operating while others were waiting for a directive.
In an interview with this newspaper he said all businesses were finding it difficult to operate at the moment given the current environment.
“I think for different businesses, they’re reacting to it differently but on the whole I think everybody is aware that they need to be mindful that health takes priority for their teams as well as for their ownselves.
“Some of the essential businesses are operating but others still waiting for a directive and when it’s safe to open it.”
Despite the challenging business environment Mr Chauhan confirmed that none of the members of the federation had indicated they were shutting their operations down or were laying off any staff.
On Thursday the Fiji Government social media page stated that Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum met the private sector representatives in Suva to discuss the current challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and deliberate on solutions to ensure continuity of businesses and jobs.
It stated representatives of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Suva Retailers Association, Fiji Institute of Accountants and Women in Business, focused their discussions on the safe reopening of businesses, access to finance, compliance by businesses to COVID-19 safe measures and protocols, vaccination plans and strategy for business and economic revival.
Also present in the meeting were the governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, the permanent secretary for MCTTT and the acting permanent secretary for the Ministry of Economy.
Mr Chauhan said on behalf of FCEF they were appreciative enough to be given an audience.
“They did ask how in terms of the protocols that are there and which is basically a living document and if there were any further suggestions and we will go back to them after consulting our members as well as how we can make things a bit more easier.
“We are also mindful and appreciate the fact that some of those protocols were put in place for the wellbeing of our own people.
“In terms of health taking priority over anything else, we’ve put up a few suggestions which they will look into and then they will get back to us.”
He added the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport team have assisted a lot of businesses where in some cases they have gone out of their way to help process the applications for them to open up safely.
