Members of the Fiji Institute of Valuers and Estate Managers from around Fiji converged for a three days annual conference at the Fiji Intercontinental Resort in Natadola beginning on Friday 30th November.
In his address, the Prime Ministers Office permanent secretary Mr Pio Tikoduadua called on members to be responsible in all working activities.
“Your responsibility as the prudent regulator of lenders plays a significant role in driving the economy forward. You should ensure lenders don’t overstretch themselves. You should also watch for unhealthy risk concentrations”, Mr Tikoduadua said.
Fijian Holdings Limited property manager Mr Aisake Cabemaiwai, said this was a time when all participants would network and provide the space for sharing innovative approaches and best practices.
There is an existing act that governs Valuer’s registration; however it does not capture important areas such as the Standard Professional Code of Ethics and others.
While speaking to the members, Mr Tikoduadua said that there was a need to ensure that the review of the act be taken seriously and in a professional manner.
“I hope that the revised act will capture the challenges and opportunities that have emerged over the past years and create an environment where there will always be a win-win situation for all the stakeholders involved. Your institute plays a crucial role to make this happen.” He says.
Mr Tikoduadua informed the participants that Government has always emphasized the importance of good governance, transparency and accountability and an improved service delivery to all Fijians.
“You need to ensure, these are embedded into your systems and processes in order to improve your performance and attain high productivity.”
Mr Tikoduadua said that Government looked forward to their contribution to provide advice that will contribute greatly in shaping Fiji’s economic future, help Fijians acquire a place where they can live comfortably without fear and with dignity, and ensuring that borrowing limits are reasonable and the valuation for that purpose will not be crushing to the borrower nor risky to the lenders.
“Government acknowledges the active involvement of the Institute in the development of Fiji and notes with appreciation the valuable contribution the institute has provided so far and encouraged the institute to continuously educate, train and instil professionalism amongst Valuers and estate managers in Fiji.” He concluded.
The conference which will end on Saturday will discuss issues on urban expansion, enhancing productivity and returns on lands, Resource development on Customary lands and discussing property investments.
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