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The Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, has emphasised the critical role of human resource professionals in driving Fiji’s development and economic growth.
Speaking at the Fiji Human Resources Institute Annual Convention 2026 held at Sofitel in Nadi, the Minister said the country’s greatest strength lies in its people, not just its policies or infrastructure.
“People are the most important asset in any institution and in any country. It is people who deliver performance and translate vision into reality,” he said.
Highlighting Fiji’s competitive edge, the Minister pointed to the tourism sector, noting that while many destinations offer similar natural attractions, it is the warmth and professionalism of Fijian workers that sets the country apart.
“That human touch, that uniquely Fijian hospitality is our competitive advantage,” he added.
However, the Minister also acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the loss of skilled workers through migration, revealing that Fiji has lost around 100,000 people to overseas opportunities in recent years.
“This has created considerable strain across both the public and private sectors, with some institutions operating at reduced capacity,” he said.
He stressed that salary alone is not enough to retain workers, urging HR practitioners to focus on creating supportive and fulfilling work environments.
“Job satisfaction, feeling valued and respected often matters more than remuneration,” he said.
The Minister also called for innovation in workplace practices, including flexible working arrangements and a shift towards measuring productivity based on output rather than time spent in the office.
“We must begin to rethink traditional models. Productivity should be defined by results, not by time spent behind a desk,” he said.
On the future of work, he encouraged greater adoption of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and continuous upskilling of the workforce to remain competitive globally.
Looking ahead, Hon. Immanuel said Fiji’s economic outlook remains positive, with projected medium-term growth of around three percent and increasing job opportunities across key sectors.
“Government cannot achieve this transformation alone. We need the private sector, institutions, and HR professionals to play their part,” he said.
He urged HR practitioners to lead efforts in building a resilient, skilled, and motivated workforce, noting that the country’s future depends on how well its people are managed today.
