Suva, Fiji. The Fiji Development Bank (FDB)’s Taveuni branch team was invited to join a Government Ministerial tour conducted in the Northern Division by the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, the Honorable. Vatimi Rayalu. The Hon. Minister visited the Ministry of Agriculture’s Taveuni office where the Bank presented on its activities and services.
The presentation highlighted just how important the agricultural sector is to the Bank and how important the Northern Division is to the agriculture sector. Approximately 70% of FDB’s customer base is in the agricultural sector with the Northern Division comprising a resounding 57% of that portfolio. This clearly demonstrates how FDB and the agricultural sector are highly aligned with the Northern Division’s vital economic infrastructure.
At the end of the Bank’s presentation, the Hon. Minister acknowledged FDB’s unwavering commitment to developing the Fijian economy. He recommended that sustainable farmers should form cooperatives, thereby encouraging them to venture commercially, while promoting accountability and transparency. FDB works very closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, and is thankful for all the support provided by the Ministry staff to promote innovative ways of farming.
The Bank plans to roll out a few more agriculture products through its digital platform so that farmers outside of the branch area network can avail these facilities.
The Honorable Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, the Hon. Vatimi Rayalu with a representative from FDB’s Taveuni Branch.