Trade Promotion and Advertising
Most Fijians receive information from radio and television. Advertising and trade promotions are important marketing tools in Fiji. Foodstuff and consumer products should be promoted heavily via a full range of mass media.
There are three commercial free to air stations (Fiji TV, Mai TV, and FBC TV) and one pay provider (Sky Pacific) on which companies can promote and advertise their products and services. The two main radio broadcasters, Communications Fiji, and Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, operate a total of eleven radio stations broadcasting in English and Fiji’s other two main vernacular languages, the indigenous iTaukei language and Hindi.
There are two major English-language newspapers, “The Fiji Times,” and “The Fiji Sun,” which largely cater to an urban readership.
Companies in Fiji also advertise in three business monthly magazines, “Pacific Business,” “Islands Business,” and “Business Melanesia”. There are a several lifestyle magazines including Marama, Turaga, and Mai Life, that also accept paid advertisements.
Special promotional campaigns are frequently conducted at local shopping centers. Movie theater and television advertisements are also means of reaching the public.
There are two major trade shows held annually where products can be promoted: “Showcase,” a consumer fair held in Suva that is organized by Communication Fiji’s Total Event Company, and the hospitality industry show “HOTEC” targeting hotels and resorts which is organized by the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association.
Pricing
The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission monitors competition in the market and controls the prices of basic goods, which include food items, fuel, electricity, and hardware products. Prices of products not monitored by the Commerce Commission are determined by the market. The Value-Added tax (VAT) is 9 percent and is applicable on all imports.
Sales Service/Customer Support
All businesses operating in Fiji need to provide warranty service, maintenance contracts for parts and supplies, and return policies.
Local Professional Services
The services of a local attorney are generally required for executing agreements and setting up offices in Fiji. Normally paperwork can be completed quickly and easily. Law firms also advise on the various types of business organizations that can be established, assist in registering firms, and in obtaining permits. Lawyers are needed for registering patents and trademarks and for taking other legal measures to protect products from intellectual property right infringements. Most commercial and civil law is based on the British system. A list of practicing Fijian accountants can be found on the Fiji Institute of Accountants website (http://www.fia.org.fj/Home).
Principal Business Associations
The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (https://www.fcef.com.fj/) is the premier private sector organization in Fiji. Any organization that is registered as an employer with the country’s pension fund, the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), is eligible to be a member. The FCEF is the private sector representative in the tripartite arrangement with government and the trade unions to manage labor relations in Fiji, and functions through 10 industry councils.
The Fiji-USA Business Council offers members a chance to make contacts and promote trade between Fiji and the USA.
Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services
Several investment activities are reserved for Fiji nationals or subject to restrictions. There are 17 reserved activities and five restricted activities. Full listings of reserved and restricted areas can be found on the Investment Fiji website or the bizFiji website.