DEPUTY PM HON. MANOA KAMIKAMICA'S SPEECH AT THE SIXTH NATIONAL REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE

Chairman of the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board, Dr. Ilimotama Cawi 
Registrar of REALB, Mr. Peni Komainavoka and REALB Staff
Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Institutions,
Our Real Estate Agents and Salespersons,
Distinguished Guests and Speakers,
Industry Stakeholders and Partners,
Members of the Media, Cola Vina and a very good morning to you all.

It is both an honour and a pleasure to join you this morning. I am truly pleased to be in the company of individuals who form the backbone of Fiji’s real estate sector—professionals whose work impacts lives, shapes communities, and contributes significantly to our national economy.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board for the kind invitation to address this important conference, and for their continued dedication to upholding standards of professionalism, integrity, and open discourse within the real estate industry.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The theme for today’s conference “Building for the Future” could not be more appropriate. The future of Fiji’s real estate sector is not just about bricks and buildings.

It’s about shaping the way our people live, how our cities grow, how investment flows, and how opportunity is distributed. We are, quite literally, laying down the foundations of tomorrow.

Now, allow me to touch on the current landscape. Fiji’s economy continues on a recovery path. In its March update, the Reserve Bank forecast a 3.4% growth for 2025, building on strong tourism performance, growing infrastructure investment, and renewed investor confidence.

Moreover, the Reserve Bank of Fiji's October 2024 Economic Review indicates that cumulative new credit for investment purposes grew by 25.9% up to September 2024, driven by higher lending to the building & construction and real estate sectors, as well as the private individuals’ investment (second home) category. — this shows that Investment activity is gradually picking up relative to last year.

I must commend REALB for the critical role it continues to play in licensing and in setting the tone for ethical behavior, consumer protection, and sector accountability.

REALB’s upcoming proposed legislative amendments will strengthen the legal framework for disciplinary enforcement, raise professional standards, and better deal with unlicensed operators.

The Board has also increased its compliance outreach and made significant progress in digitalizing its systems—a welcome and timely development.

To the real estate agents in the room today, you are the face of the property market in Fiji. Whether dealing with families looking to purchase their first home or businesses investing in commercial property, you play a pivotal role in shaping how the public experiences the property sector.

Your commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and lifelong learning is essential. As we move into an increasingly digital and competitive global marketplace, your adaptability and client-centered approach will define your personal success and the reputation of our entire real estate industry. I encourage you to embrace innovation, continue building trust with clients, and raise the bar for industry standards across Fiji.

I understand that your work is not always easy. It involves deadlines, regulations, negotiations, and, often, very emotional clients. But let me say this: you matter. The professionalism you bring is what gives this industry credibility. And I want to thank you—each one of you—for the work that you do every day to uplift this profession and support economic growth.

To our related stakeholders who are here this morning; builders, banks, lawyers, valuers, surveyors, architects, town planners, city and town councils, etc —you are an integral part of this ecosystem.

The work of developing land, constructing spaces, securing financing, and transferring property titles relies on deep collaboration. And so, I challenge you today: let’s build stronger partnerships. Let’s remove friction points, simplify processes, and deliver outcomes that benefit the people of Fiji.

Your participation today shows that you too are invested in the future of the industry and the country.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Your coalition government continues to invest in reforms that support a stronger, smarter real estate industry. These include:

• The National Housing Policy 2025–2030, which the Cabinet endorsed earlier this year. It provides a blueprint to address affordability, improve access to land, and encourage inclusive housing models.

• The businessNOW FIJI portal continues to simplify business registration and reduce time lags for approvals. This digital shift is also aimed at real estate entrepreneurs, especially smaller firms trying to break into the market.

• The Access to Business Funding Act that has been passed by Parliament recently will offer new financing pathways to businesses —including those in the property and services sector.

Building for the future also means embracing resilience and sustainability. We must be mindful of where and how we build—considering rising sea levels, environmental degradation, and the need for long-term urban planning.

We are also seeing a global shift toward digital property platforms, virtual tours, etc. These may sound futuristic, but they are happening now—and Fiji must not be left behind.

I encourage all of you to explore how technology and sustainable practices can make your operations more efficient, transparent, and environmentally conscious.

As I conclude, let me say this:
This conference is a milestone and not just something that we do every year. It is a checkpoint on our journey as regulators, professionals, and citizens trying to build a better Fiji. So, let us leave here with renewed purpose, clearer strategies, and stronger partnerships.

To REALB—thank you once again for leading with courage and consistency. To the agents—keep going. To the stakeholders—let’s keep building. And to all of us—may we rise to the challenge of “Building for the Future,” not just in infrastructure, but in values, vision, and national progress.

With those few words, I now officially declare the 2025 Real Estate Agents Licensing Board Annual Conference open.

Vinaka vakalevu, and may you have a successful and inspiring day ahead.