Having dropped out of school at the age of 9, Bashir Khan entered the world of business at 22 years of age and is believed to be one of the oldest successful businessman in Vanua Levu who started his business in 1970.
This week he celebrated his 75th birthday and marked 52 years of his achievement in the business arena contributing to the development and growth of Labasa Town.
Looking back at his early days in business and comparing it to what exists today, he said a lot had changed and prices have increased greatly which had become a hindrance and burden to the business community.
The Labasa-born and bred man owns properties around Vanua Levu and has survived the odd days simply because of one reason – “honesty”.
“Cost of things are expensive now compared to what we paid in the 1970s and being a businessman is not easy, but we need to be honest. Other people may have different opinions about you, but stay true to yourself and your business and always pay your dues on time. That’s why I have survived 52 years,” he said.
“Our business tax, land rent and other bills are always paid on time and when we do that, we stay out of trouble. Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s. Apart from my dues to the Government, I help the poor and every month they are financially assisted around Vanua Levu.
“My business which started from a tractor I bought while working in the copper mine in Udu Point in the late 1960s expanded to exporting timber to Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand and I also built a sawmill and a treatment plant.”
All these achievements, he told guests and friends at the birthday celebration, have been possible because he founded his business on truth.
“I employed 600 people in the timber yard which included a yard in Savusavu and Taveuni and now with my buildings in town, I have about 30 tenants and that only happens when we work right,” Mr Khan said.
His legal counsel Simione Valenitabua described Mr Khan as someone who has taught him a lot in running a business.
“The cost of bread at 4 cents a loaf during Mr Khan’s times now cost us 10 times more, but he has survived and continues to run successfully now.”
