The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) will once again convene the nation’s leading executives for its premier annual gathering, the Top Executives Conference (TOPEX), to be held from 20–22 November 2025 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau.
Now in its 11th year, TOPEX has become a cornerstone of Fiji’s business calendar. It is a space where leaders pause from the demands of daily operations to reflect, share ideas, and look ahead. The 2025 theme — “From Challenge to Catalyst: Global and Local Perspectives” — is both timely and aspirational. It speaks to the need for businesses not only to overcome the difficulties of today’s economic, social and technological environment, but also to transform those very challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
Economy and Shocks: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity
Fiji’s private sector continues to navigate a turbulent global landscape, with inflation, shifting supply chains, and climate-driven disruptions testing resilience. At TOPEX 2025, economists and financial experts will examine how businesses can anticipate shocks, manage risk, and find opportunities in uncertainty. For leaders, the message is clear: adaptability is no longer optional, it is essential.
Trade and Tariffs: Competing in Global Markets
Trade is the lifeblood of Fiji’s economy, from agricultural exports such as sugar and kava to tourism and manufactured goods. But as never seen before, trade modalities including tariffs evolve and global trade order intensifies, businesses must stay ahead of the curve. Sessions will explore how businesses can take advantage of trade agreements, plus evolving modalities, diversify market access, and strengthen Fiji’s position in both the local and international market.
Labor and Skills: A labour market that must work for us!
Fiji has now become a major labour sending and receiving country. The huge exodus of skilled labour and the preference of many workers for overseas employment, high remittance dependency of potentially local workers and our education institutions continue to face challenges to supply work-ready graduates to the labour market. Now, more than 700 companies’ source foreign workers so businesses, farms and factories remain operational. Yet, Fiji still faces high youth unemployment of18.3% and inefficiencies in the issuance of work permits. This session explores if the labour mobility schemes has had any real developmental impact on local businesses and the Fijian labour market. A conversation with an employer representative from New Zealand and an esteem panel of professionals will explore how Fiji can correct its labour market distortion, so that local skills development and local business sustainability is prioritised.
Health and Productivity Go Hand in Hand
The pandemic highlighted how closely health and productivity are linked. Businesses experienced the costs of absenteeism and the growing challenges of mental health and non-communicable diseases. This year’s conference will focus on how companies can champion workplace wellness, encourage healthier lifestyles, and recognise that people are the most valuable asset of any organisation.
Technology, AI and Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, from customer service to logistics. For Fiji’s businesses, it brings both promise and risk. Alongside the opportunities for greater efficiency and innovation, there is a pressing need to strengthen cybersecurity and build awareness about digital threats. TOPEX 2025 will feature experts who will unpack what AI means for Pacific businesses and how leaders can integrate new technologies responsibly while safeguarding their organisations.
Leadership and Legacy
At its heart, TOPEX is about leadership. As Fiji navigates change, executives must think not only about quarterly results but also about the legacy they leave behind. This year’s discussions will highlight examples of leaders who have successfully combined profitability with innovation, sustainability, and community impact. This year’s discussions will spotlight leaders who have successfully combined profitability with innovation, sustainability, and community impact — providing valuable lessons for executives looking to shape their organisations for the long term.
FCEF CEO; Mr. Edward Bernard shares:
“TOPEX has always been about more than just conversations — it is where leaders come together to confront challenges head-on and find solutions that work for Fiji and the Pacific. This year’s theme, ‘From Challenge to Catalyst: Global and Local Perspectives,’ reflects on our belief that every difficulty can also be a driver for innovation and progress. TOPEX 2025 is about preparing our businesses, our people, and our nation to transform challenges into catalysts for lasting growth. From 20th – 22nd November in Denarau, TOPEX 2025 will once again provide the platform where ideas turn into action and where Fiji’s business leaders unite to shape a stronger, more resilient future”.