VOICE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR – Discussing the State of the Economy: Breakfast Talanoa
Voice of the Private Sector
The Fiji Times – 25 February 2026
The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) will once again bring together business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and industry experts for its annual State of the Economy Breakfast Talanoa – a forum dedicated to unpacking Fiji’s economic outlook and what it means for the private sector.
As Fiji’s most representative Employers’ and Business Membership Organisation (EBMO), and the Voice of the Private Sector, FCEF plays a critical role in enabling and shaping national economic dialogue. The State of the Economy Breakfast Talanoa provides a structured platform for the private sector to engage directly with those influencing fiscal, labour, trade, and regulatory policy.
2026 economic landscape in 2026
Fiji enters 2026 facing a mixed economic environment. Inflationary pressures have eased from recent highs, offering some stability for households and businesses. Growth projections remain positive, supported by tourism recovery and domestic activity.
However, many businesses continue to face significant challenges:
Cost of Doing Business
Corporate tax increased by 5% since 2023
Wage costs up 86.6% over the past three years
Rising freight costs
Workforce and Skills Challenges
Heavy reliance on remittances
Limited availability of work-ready candidates
Insufficient investment in upskilling and continuous professional development
Productivity Constraints
Reduced labour force participation
High emigration rates
Limited resources to upskill staff
Trade milestones and emerging pressures
FCEF commends the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), alongside the Ministries of Finance and Trade, for their work on getting Fiji removed from the European Union’s (EU) blacklist – a milestone that strengthens trade and investment confidence.
At the same time, this achievement came with the loss of the Export Income Deduction (EID), which for some businesses reduced export incentives by up to 50%. A significant increase to cost of business for some placing Fijian exporters at a competitive disadvantage compared with countries benefiting from production subsidies, scale advantages, or lower labour costs.
Looking ahead, if the PACER Plus agreement is signed, Fiji’s private sector may face additional pressures, including:
> Increased administrative and compliance costs
> Greater exposure to foreign competition
> Potential government revenue pressures, possibly leading to indirect tax increases
> Limited capacity for SMEs and emerging industries to scale efficiently
The Fiji National Development Plan (NDP) 2025-2029 is targeting an average annual GDP growth rate of 4% – 5% over the next five years, yet according the Reserve Bank of Fiji we are tracking at 3%, and this is projected to remain the same till 2028. The private sector are key contributors of Fiji’s GDP, current pressures on businesses and operations are hindering progress towards our GDP target of 4% – 5%.
Why This Matters for Businesses
The private sector is seeking predictable, coherent, and sustainable policies that strengthen competitiveness while supporting employment growth. Economic policy decisions directly influence operating costs, taxation, workforce planning, and investment confidence.
The State of the Economy Breakfast equips business leaders with timely insights to:
Make confident investment decisions
Plan workforce strategies
Respond proactively to policy shifts
Align business growth with national development goals
This is more than a breakfast – it is a strategic engagement with Fiji’s economic leadership. Participants will also earn 2 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, adding value for finance and governance professionals.
Event Details
Date: 4 March 2026
Time: 7:00am – 9:00am
Location: Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva
Registration Options
Individual (VIP): Members $250 | Non-members $350
Table of 8 (VIP): Members $1,950 | Non-members $2,750
Seats are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. Book online at www.fcef.com.fj or email events@fcef.com.fj for inquiries.
■ FIJI COMMERCE & EMPLOYERS FEDERATION