Salutation
Turaga na Taukei Vidilo and Turaga na Tui Vitogo
Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development – Hon. Esrom Yosef Immanuel
Chair and Members of the FRCS Board
Chief Executive Officer of FRCS
Distinguished Guests
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
Ni sa bula vina’a and a very good evening to you all.
Introduction
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, na Momo na Taukei Vidilo ena Vanua o Sukanacagi vua na Momo na Tui Vitogo, I pay my respect to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and acknowledge their status and role in the Vanua, allowing us to stand here today and witness this milestone achievement.
Opening and Strategic Context
It is both an honour and a privilege to join you this evening for the official opening of the new Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Lautoka Office.
This occasion marks more than the commissioning of a modern facility. It represents a deliberate and strategic investment by Government in strengthening public institutions to better serve our people, support our economy, and uphold the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency.
At its core, this initiative reflects our commitment to building a responsive, accessible, and people-centred public service, one that meets the evolving needs of all Fijians.
In support of Government’s objective of streamlining policy and delivery systems, we are also taking a more strategic view of how key institutions—such as the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service—are positioned to respond to an increasingly complex and dynamic operating environment.
FRCS as a Pillar of Governance and National Development
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service plays a central role in advancing Government’s national priorities.
The FRCS operates across two critical and highly specialised domains—tax collection and border management. At the strategic level, these are core functions that require dedicated focus and continuous strengthening to ensure Fiji is well-positioned for the future.
Globally and within our region, we are witnessing rapid developments in border control systems, compliance frameworks, and the management of cross-border risks. These trends signal the need for Fiji to remain adaptive, forward-looking, and aligned with international best practice.
As the authority responsible for tax and customs administration, FRCS is not only a revenue collector—it is a critical institution of governance, ensuring that public resources are mobilised, managed, and safeguarded with integrity.
The Government is therefore advancing a more coordinated and coherent approach to service delivery, bringing together agencies that operate within the same sector to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and improve responsiveness.
In an environment where demands are increasing and resources are constrained, we are required to do more with less. This necessitates new and innovative approaches to how we organise, resource, and deliver public services.
In this context, the current and emerging operating landscape calls for the progressive consideration of a more integrated and strengthened border management architecture—one that enhances coordination across agencies, improves operational efficiency, and positions Fiji at the forefront of addressing transnational organised crime and illicit trade.
Such a strategic direction will also strengthen our ability to cooperate with like-minded regional and international partners, ensuring that Fiji remains a trusted and capable player in the global system.
Through its mandate, FRCS directly contributes to:
- Fiscal sustainability, enabling Government to invest in priority sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and social protection
- Economic stability and growth, by maintaining a fair, predictable, and efficient tax system;
- National security, through strengthened border management and the prevention of illicit trade and transnational crime; and
- Public trust and confidence, by promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability in all its operations.
In this regard, FRCS stands not only as a service delivery agency, but as a strategic institution at the intersection of economic management, national security, and global engagement.
Promoting Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability
Ladies and Gentlemen, a modern revenue administration must be anchored on the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
FRCS has made commendable progress in recent years in strengthening compliance systems, enhancing audit capabilities, and modernising its operations. These reforms are essential not only for improving revenue performance, but also for reinforcing public confidence in Government institutions.
A transparent and accountable revenue system ensures that:
- all taxpayers are treated equitably;
- compliance is encouraged and enforced consistently; and
- public funds are collected responsibly and utilised effectively for national development
This is fundamental to our vision of a Government that is trusted, credible, and accountable to its people.
Decentralisation and Service Delivery to All Fijians
The establishment of the Lautoka Office reflects Government’s continued commitment to decentralising public services and ensuring that development is inclusive and accessible.
For too long, access to key government services has required unnecessary travel and cost for many of our people. This new facility directly addresses that challenge by bringing essential services closer to the communities of Lautoka and the wider Western Division.
This Office will:
improve accessibility and efficiency of taxpayer services;
support digital transformation, including self-service platforms and taxpayer education;
enhance the overall service experience for individuals and businesses; and
strengthen frontline engagement between Government and the people.
Decentralisation is not simply about physical presence—it is about ensuring that every Fijian, regardless of location, has equitable access to Government services and opportunities.
Strategic Importance of Lautoka in National Development
Ladies and Gentlemen, the location of this Office in Lautoka is both deliberate and strategic.
As Fiji’s second city and a key economic hub of the Western Division, Lautoka plays a vital role in:
- industrial and commercial activity, including manufacturing and logistics;
- tourism and maritime services;
- agriculture and the sugar industry, which has long been central to Fiji’s economic history; and
- increasingly, as a centre for business innovation and regional trade.
Strengthening institutional presence in Lautoka directly supports Government’s vision for balanced regional development, reducing over-concentration in urban centres and unlocking economic potential across all divisions.
The FRCS Lautoka Office will therefore serve as a critical enabler of economic activity, facilitating trade, supporting businesses, and strengthening compliance within one of Fiji’s most dynamic growth corridors.
Partnership with Business and Communities
FRCS is also a key partner in fostering a conducive business environment.
By simplifying processes, enhancing digital systems, and promoting voluntary compliance, FRCS contributes to:
improving the ease of doing business;
encouraging investment and entrepreneurship; and
supporting private sector growth and job creation.
Equally important is the partnership between Government and citizens.
A strong culture of compliance is built not only on enforcement, but on mutual trust, awareness, and shared responsibility. In this regard, FRCS’s outreach and education efforts are vital in ensuring that all Fijians understand their role in nation-building.
Acknowledgement and Institutional Strengthening
I wish to acknowledge the leadership of the FRCS Board, Management, and staff for their continued commitment to reform, innovation, and service excellence.
I also commend all those involved in the planning and delivery of this facility. Your collective efforts have contributed to a project that will deliver lasting benefits to the people of Lautoka and Fiji as a whole.
Conclusion
Ladies and Gentlemen, this new FRCS Lautoka Office stands as a symbol of modern governance, accessible and inclusive service delivery and our shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Fiji.
It also reflects a broader shift in how Government is positioning key institutions like FRCS to respond to emerging global challenges—through stronger coordination, smarter use of resources, and a clear strategic focus on the future of border management and revenue administration.
As we move forward, Government remains steadfast in its commitment to:
strengthening institutions
promoting transparency and accountability
enhancing national security
and ensuring that development reaches every Fijian
It is through such investments that we continue to build a nation that is equitable, prosperous, and forward-looking.
It is now my great pleasure to officially declare the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Lautoka Office open.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad, and Thank You.