● Na Momo na Tui Ba Ratu Vilimoni Lagivala;
● Board of Directors, Management and staff of Future
Farms Limited trading as Rooster Poultry;
● Members of our Business Community;
● Distinguished Guests;
● Ladies and Gentlemen.
Cola Vina and a very good morning to you all. Firstly, I acknowledge the Vanua of Ba for the traditional welcoming ceremony accorded this morning. Vinaka saka vakalevu. I also acknowledge that they are owners of the land on which we gather today. We acknowledge their ancestors, their chiefs and leaders of today, and those to come in their places.
It is my great pleasure to be here today to inaugurate the new processing plant for Rooster Poultry, a brand synonymous with quality in Fiji’s poultry industry.
This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone not only for Rooster but also for our nation’s journey towards greater food security and economic prosperity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
During a visit to Ba in November 2023, I met with the local business community and underscored the importance of unity and collaboration as Team Fiji for our nation’s progress.
The Ba business community has been an influential part of our country’s economic development and will continue to be a key contributor in years to come. I thank them for all their valued contributions over the years.
Over our discussions, I highlighted the Coalition government’s priorities, particularly our commitment to modernizing and diversifying our economy. Rooster Poultry, proudly based out of Navau, here in Ba, is operated by Future Farms Limited and until recently was a wholly owned subsidiary of BSP Life.
It has grown in leaps and bounds over the last decade. From humble beginnings, it has become a premier poultry
producer, consistently achieving world-class food safety and quality standards, certified by the internationally recognised ISO 9000 framework.
Their dedication to sustainable practices is exemplified by their installation of the largest agricultural roof-mounted solar energy system in Fiji, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint.
Rooster is now a household brand supplying major supermarket chains throughout the country, restaurants, and our Tourism industry.
Their commitment to Vanua and Community is evidenced by the employment of 450 staff, playing an integral role
in the Ba economy.
Their phenomenal growth has also had an economic multiplier effect with the use of local suppliers to support the expansion of the business. Rooster is proudly locally owned, and locally coperated.
In recent years, Rooster has supported numerous community projects and made significant sponsorship investments, most notably in sports to develop our young talent, fostering national pride.
I take this time to acknowledge BSP Life as the sole shareholder in Future Farms over this transformative growth period.
Their commitment to nurturing this business with significant capital investment, strategic oversight, strong governance and Trust in the future of our country is deeply acknowledged.
I thank their Board, past and present, for their personal involvement in shaping this business to be where it is today.
I especially thank the CEO, Stanley and his dedicated team who have worked diligently over many years to
elevate the performance of the business operationally and financially, meeting stringent international standards, and showing that local businesses can be world class with the right support, the right ambition, hard work and being purpose driven.
You are all to be commended for your achievements. Vinaka and keep up the great work.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The future is even brighter.
The recent acquisition of 40% shares in Future Farms by our Fiji National Provident Fund showcases the confidence both BSP Life and FNPF have in the future of this business.
This is the first collaboration between our country’s two largest institutional investors, in an asset that is high performing, with tremendous growth potential delivering value for both entities stakeholders.
This strategic partnership is the way forward for Fiji.
Sharing risk, sharing reward, and collaborating to grow local production, reduce imports, and create new value for our economy.
If we can be self-sufficient in poultry, why can’t we be self sufficient in all forms of livestock and agriculture?
Future Farms is paving the way and we’re excited about the developments that will ensue from this partnership.
I congratulate the Board, Executive and entire team at FNPF for your foresight.
I’m sure your thorough due diligence has demonstrated that this is an investment that will yield sustainable returns for members.
Today’s inauguration is a testament to the confidence that businesses have in the Fijian economy and the enabling policies of the Peoples Coalition government.
Our administration has worked tirelessly to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. We have implemented policies aimed at eliminating barriers to investment, improving infrastructure, and ensuring a stable economic climate.
These efforts have fostered a business-friendly environment that encourages both local and foreign investment, contributing to economic growth.
The investment by Rooster Poultry in upgrading their facilities is an affirmation of the confidence in the future of our country.
This upgraded $13 Million facility will enhance production, ensuring that all Fijians continue to have access to high-quality products at affordable prices.
This is especially crucial as we continue to address the cost of living, ensuring essential commodities remain accessible to all Fijians.
On this note, I express my gratitude to Rooster Poultry for their proactive collaboration with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Their voluntary price freeze initiative during challenging economic times is a commendable effort to support consumer welfare.
Such initiatives demonstrate the power of collaborative efforts in achieving positive outcomes for both consumers and businesses.
Furthermore, Rooster Poultry’s commitment to international quality standards ensures that our products can compete globally, enhancing Fiji’s reputation as a producer of top-quality goods.
The new production plant will support local consumption and be an enabler for exports across the region.
This is a massive pendulum shift from a time where we were dependent on imports, transitioning to self- sufficiency, with the future prospect of exporting. This is economic diversification and growth in action.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the context of Fiji’s evolving economic landscape, the importance of private sector investment and public sector
collaboration cannot be overstated.
The Peoples Coalition Government acknowledges that the private sector is the engine of growth.
We have an ambition to turbo-charge our economy and are committed to playing our part in creating the right enabling environment, whilst ensuring compliance with our regulatory frameworks.
To support such initiatives, we have focused on several key areas. We have streamlined processes and reduced bureaucratic
red tape for businesses to invest in Fiji. Whilst I acknowledge there is more to do, I can assure local and foreign investors that the winds of change are here.
Collaboration between some of our best minds in the private and public sector will steer improvements with demonstrated outcomes in the near future.
Additionally, significant investments are being made to improve our infrastructure, including transportation
networks, utilities, and digital connectivity, which are essential for businesses to operate efficiently and compete on the global stage.
An enabling, simplified and consistent tax framework, including maintaining critical incentives to support investments, and focusing on prudent fiscal management remain key focus areas for Government.
As we look to the future, it is imperative that we continue to strengthen this partnership.
The government remains dedicated to supporting the private sector through sound policies and initiatives that
foster innovation, sustainability, and economic inclusivity.
Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous Fiji, where businesses thrive and our people enjoy a high quality of life.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu, and congratulations to Rooster Poultry on this remarkable achievement.
Let us move forward together in the spirit of partnership and progress as one team, Team Fiji.
VINAKA VAKALEVU AND MAY GOD BLESS