Honourable Ministers and Permanent Secretaries,
Managing Director Spirit of Endeavour, KV Soon and the Integrated Project Management Team,
Vice President for Toppan Ecquaria, Ser Wah,
SABS and BPAS Agencies- mention confirmed participants attending
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Bula Vinaka and good afternoon to you all.

On behalf of the Government of Fiji, I am honored to officially launch the rebranded online portal for Fiji's Ease of Doing Business Project. This one-stop digital platform stands as a crucial component in our journey towards the imminent launch of the Starting A Business Subsystem (SABS), scheduled for the end of May this year.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, digitalisation has emerged as a cornerstone of success – and the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pivotal role of increased digital economic activities, particularly for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The integration of technology and digital tools into various business processes enhances efficiency, accuracy and overall performance.
 
The businessNOW portal has been meticulously designed to serve as Fiji's comprehensive platform for entrepreneurs and investors, simplifying the intricacies associated with establishing a business in our nation.
 
It aims to provide a seamless experience, offering entrepreneurs insights into business growth opportunities, Starting a Business-related information, and access to various investment incentives and benefits.
 
This portal streamlines the two critical pillars of doing business in Fiji—starting a business and investing in construction projects, which will expand to other services. Fijians can navigate the business registration and construction permit approval processes effortlessly through detailed checklists, transparent timelines, and downloadable forms available on a centralised and easily accessible website.
 
Fiji is steadfast in its commitment to revolutionising its business climate, creating an investor-friendly environment. Investment-related legislations have been redesigned to eliminate redundant steps, streamline processes, and ensure that investing in Fiji is not only easier and faster but also cost-effective, all while safeguarding Fiji's national interests.
 
The successful realisation of this Government of Fiji project has been a result of collaborative efforts from various agencies, each playing a significant role. I encourage all agencies to scrutinise their internal processes and align them with the automation initiative.
 
We are now on the brink of embarking on this crucial journey that will significantly impact how we, as a Government, can ensure the availability of and access to essential services, enabling our business community and global investors to initiate, set up, and operate seamlessly and efficiently. The information portal marks the commencement of digitising more government services to provide enhanced services to the people.
 
I urge our stakeholders from key agencies to rise to the occasion, initiate necessary changes within their organisations, and ensure the adoption and adaptation of the new way of delivering services to the business community.
 
This includes major improvements such as upfront payment of fees, instilling confidence in the business environment and transparency of service charges. Together, we can achieve this transformation by focusing on and committing to embracing the implementation of the businessNOW eServices platform.
 
As a value-added feature, the Ministry is planning to unveil a groundbreaking platform in the near future, meticulously crafted to empower Fiji's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), fostering their exponential growth by capitalising on lucrative opportunities within expansive export markets.
 
Your Government recognises the dynamic role that MSMEs play in shaping the economic landscape of Fiji. Often referred to as the backbone of our economy, these enterprises significantly contribute to employment generation, poverty alleviation, and local development. Their nimbleness, innovation, and resilience not only drive economic growth but also foster inclusivity, empowering individuals and communities.
 
The Ease of Doing Business project aims to further empower businesses in utilising e-commerce platforms and expanding their horizons. The Ministry is confident in our partnership with Endeavour, The Integrated Project Manager for the Ease of Doing Business Project, and our vendors, Toppan Ecquaria, ensuring the successful delivery of this vital Fiji Government Project for the benefit of all Fijians and investors.
 
And now, let us officially launch the portal and embark on this exciting journey together. Thank you, and may this portal usher in positive and transformative experiences for all. The future eagerly awaits us!