The stage is set for Fiji’s premium business forum, the 41st annual Accountant’s Congress, at the Sheraton Fiji Resort from June 7th to the 9th.
As a major sponsor for the tenth year running, Westpac Banking Corporation with their partners Vodafone Fiji Ltd handed over their sponsorship cheque for the much-anticipated yearly congress that is well attended by influential policy makers, business professionals, executives and members of the Fiji Institute of Accountants.
Westpac Fiji’s General Manager, Mr Adrian Hughes said, “We’re delighted to be the major sponsor again this year with or business partner Vodafone. The Congress provides a platform for dynamic and interesting presentations and discussions to assist decision makers and business professionals plus it also provides an opportunity for relationship building within the corporate and business sector.”
“Westpac is a strong and secure bank having banked generations of Fijians and helped many businesses grow over this time. Supporting events such as the Congress with the theme “The Challenge of Change” is one of the ways in which we continue to assist businesses grow.”
Mr Cama Raimuria, the president of the Fiji Institute of Accountant and Chairman of the Annual Congress Committee spoke on the importance of this year’s theme “Challenge of Change”.
“It is important for FIA to facilitate dialogue in discussing The changing demand on Fiji’s business community in responding to social, economic, technological and legal changes We will soon be having a new constitution, new company law is about to be introduced and many other changes affecting the business community are happening and we need to adjust accordingly”
“Any business in today’s fast-moving environment that is not adapting to the pace of change is likely to be sorely disappointed. In fact, businesses should embrace change. Change is important for any organization because, without change, businesses would likely lose their competitive edge.”
Mr Raimuria added, “This year’s Congress has an interesting line-up of speakers to deliver on a mix of business and economic issues. We also have an equally good line-up of panellists including delegates to deliberate on some key issues”.
“Having sponsors such as Westpac and Vodafone supporting the event is crucial to its success and we are grateful that they have come aboard again,” Mr. Raimuria said.
“It is important to note that this year’s Congress sponsorship is by far the biggest ever to be received by the Institute in its 41 years of existence. That clearly demonstrates the Congress is of high value and still maintain its status as Fiji’s premier business forum” added Mr. Raimuria.
This year the Congress will have the founder of Future Moves, Singapore and South East Asia’s first business foresight consultancy, Mr. Devadas Krishnadas, who will deliver the keynote address, “Challenge of Change”, Mr. Ian Taruita, CEO of PNG’s NASFUND and Chairman of the PNG Provident Fund will present on “A Pacific Perspective on Investment Opportunities in Fiji” and Mr Justin Smirk, the Senior Economist of the Westpac Group will deliver on “Sovereign debt and its impact on growth.”
Acclaimed Indian film director, Mr. Anubhav Sinha, will present on “From Bollywood to Bulawood” and Mr. Ram Bajekal, Group CEO Flour Mills of Fiji (FMF), will speak on the “Challenge of growth in the Pacific”. Mr. Mark Mahoney, general manager, Mindpearl Call Center will present on “ICT- Bringing the world to Fiji” and Mr. Razim Buksh, Director of the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, will speak on “The Nexus Between Anti-Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering Systems in Fiji.”
Westpac operates in seven Pacific countries – Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa – through its network of more than 50 branches, 100 ATMs, thousands of merchants and In-store Banking facilities.
PRESS RELEASE