Suva, Fiji. Recently, the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) initiated an island outreach visit to create awareness on Financial Literacy in Taveuni on Qamea Island. This visit was in collaboration with various relevant Government representatives.
While on the ground, the mission team met with over 30 participants from both the villages of Naivivi and Dreketi, carrying out a total of 3 sessions over the course of a day.
FDB CEO, Mr. Saud Minam highlighted that these outreach programs were an integral part of the Bank’s mandate to stimulate economic development in the rural and agricultural sectors of Fiji’s economy.
“We regularly mobilise teams that bring FDB’s financing services to these remote but surely viable locations. This helps to enhance the quality of life for all Fijians and further contributes to the development of the Fijian economy, our digital offering combined with face-to-face interaction is a testament of commitment.”
The first session saw the FDB team cover its products such as General Farming and Insurance (cross-selling). The second session focused on financial literacy and Women in Business. The final session then allowed the accompanying Government representatives to discuss their connection with the FDB and later addressed issues such as loans for boats and engines.
In addition to the above sessions, conversations regarding loans for potential village canteens, water taxis and village cooperative bakeries were also held. By the end of the day, two loan applications were successfully registered for Women in Business and over 20 enquiries were received by the mission team.
Front person sitting third from left to right is FDB’s Taveuni Branch Manager, Mr. Richard Prasad