Workers in Fiji should make it their business to save money for their future and equally so, must plan for their retirement.
This was the message echoed by the Public Service permanent secretary, Parmesh Chand and the Westpac Fiji general manager, Adrian Hughes as they jointly opened the Retirement Planning Expo at Nakasi this morning.
Mr Chand said the expo provided a platform to promote government's available products and this also included private sector organisations which offered a range of services for the retiring population.
Mr Hughes said planning for the future and retirement is a critical aspect of any person’s life.
“We believe that retirement is an integral part of a person's life and holding such an expo in Fiji is critical to ensuring that people think about what they want to do during retirement and what they need to have to ensure that retirement is a time of peace of mind and enjoyment," he said.
The PSC through its Fiji Volunteer Services (FVS) Scheme is offering opportunities to which retirees or would be retirees and youths could be involved in.
“These areas of national interest include the teaching volunteer scheme to the Pacific Island countries, working as youth rehabilitation communication assistants, and working as volunteers in Government Ministries, regional and international organizations,” Mr Chand said.
Mr Hughes encouraged the working population to put in place measures that will assist them in the future.
“I’d encourage everyone, even if you are not nearing retirement age, have just started work or have already retired to plan your retirement. It’s never too early or late to ensure you have enough funds set aside for your retirement,” Mr Hughes said.
Organizations present at Nakasi today include the Fiji Council of Social Services, Fiji National Provident Fund, Fijian Holdings Unit Trust, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Integrated Human Resource Development Programme (IHRDP), Tower Insurance, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority, National Centre for Small and Micro Enterprise Development, Quality Print Limited, Department of Cooperatives, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Youth & Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice.
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