Accountants asked to help with climate events, corruption

The Attorney-General and Minster of Finance Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum urged accountants to help make Fiji’s economy more resilient by adopting innovative strategies and business practices.

Minister Sayed-Khaiyum made the comments during a keynote address at the opening of the Fiji Institute of Accountants (FIA) Congress in Denarau today.

The AG pointed to Fiji’s vulnerability to climate-related natural disasters as a major impediment to greater economic development. He stressed a need for the accounting industry to advance their capacity in the arena of climate finance.

SAYED-KHAIYUM: “In Fiji, one climatic event can fundamentally destroy the economy for decades. Fiji is currently exploring options to finance climate adaptation measures and will likely partner with the private sector to develop the capability to access these funds from international organisations,”

The AG also emphasised the important role that Fiji’s accountants have in fighting corruption on the part of their clients and upholding high ethical standards in the profession.

SAYED-KHAIYUM: “The moment you prioritise what is best for the country and the Fijian people, you can rid our business community of the corruption-related issues that are holding us back. It is about being patriotic and doing what is best for Fiji,”

The AG encouraged the private sector to help widen Fiji’s economic base by harnessing the energy and creativity of younger members in the business community.

SAYED-KHAIYUM: “70 per cent of our population in under the age of 40. If we are able to mainstream our young people into the business community, we can access innovative ways of thinking that can lift Fiji from its current designation as a small and vulnerable developing state,”