Port plays an important role in respect to our economy, says Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

He made these comments yesterday after announcing that the 270 staff of Fiji Ports Terminal Limited (FPTL) will be sharing a total of $337, 000 as part of their second bonus payout for the last financial year.

He said that most of the things we use in our everyday lives come through the ports, so we need to ensure that the ports have the required facilities to run well.

“It is also important to have a good management team and for the staff to adapt to new technologies to make Fiji an attractive place,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

He highlighted the importance of working as a team which contributes to the increasing productivity.

“Everybody is important in the organisation and everyone has a role to play therefore it’s important to work together as a team, he said.

FPTL chairman Hasmukh Patel said the second bonus payout was a testimony to their commitment towards their work.

Mr Patel said the bonus was an advance Christmas gift for the hardworking staff.

“Gradually we’ve been paying bonuses for the last three years based on the performance profitability of the company,” said Mr Patel.

FPTL had invested a lot in machinery and Mr Patel said they would be getting more.

“Through the machines, people are getting their goods out quickly and the turn-around time for the ships is also faster, said Mr Patel.

He added that this has contributed to more efficiency resulting in more dollars.

Mr Patel acknowledged the hard work of the FPTL staff.