Fiji is taking significant steps toward digital transformation aimed at enhancing workplace safety and streamlining business operations. The Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations has announced the launch of the BusinessNow Fiji platform, a pivotal move to create a more effective system for managing occupational health and safety inspections as well as building permits. This innovative platform allows employers to submit plans online, arrange inspections, and receive necessary certificates electronically, thus reducing paperwork and associated costs. Consequently, the processing time for applications is expected to drop significantly, showcasing Fiji’s commitment to modernizing its business landscape.
Under the new system, high-risk workplaces will undergo inspections annually, whereas low-risk businesses will be inspected every three years. This approach aligns with the Ministry’s goal of doubling the number of inspections—from 3,287 last year to a target of 6,000 this year—demonstrating a strong commitment to elevating workplace standards. Complementing this is the anticipated online launch of the Building Permit Approval System, promoting digital submissions and more rigorous enforcement of safety standards.
These measures are in harmony with earlier efforts under the BusinessNow Fiji initiative, which has effectively streamlined processes in various sectors, including business startups and immigration approvals. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has endorsed these advancements, emphasizing their critical role in building public trust and nurturing economic growth. By integrating multiple agencies within a single platform, the process of conducting business in Fiji will become more seamless, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting the country as an appealing destination for investment.
Minister Agni Deo Singh underlined the necessity of these digital advancements in modernizing legislation, fostering economic expansion, and overall improving the business climate. This is part of a more extensive strategy to transform government services with the ambition to make 80% of core services available online by 2030, thereby increasing transparency, accountability, and accessibility in Fiji’s public sector.
This transformative initiative signals a positive trajectory for Fiji’s economy by creating an environment conducive to business. By fostering open communication and collaboration, Fiji aims to establish itself as a competitive hub for both domestic and international investments, paving the way for sustainable development and a prosperous economic future.