As we approach the end of 2017, I trust that you have all enjoyed a very productive year. In reflecting on Fiji Ports Corporation Limited’s (FPCL) journey, it has certainly been an exciting one, where we have grown considerably.

RECORD DIVIDEND

Financially, FPCL continues to grow over the years with another recorded dividend for 2016. It recorded a strong shareholders dividend from operating profits of $16,082,198 – a 217 percent increase, compared to $5,070,605 in 2015. As a result, a total of 214 employees of FPCL and subsidiary company, Fiji Ships and Heavy Industries Limited received a bonus pay-out of over $256,000 this year.

RAISING THE PROFILE

The company’s profile was raised on many forums. Locally, we continue to share our experiences and best practices in aspects of quality and productivity, in achieving sustained competitiveness and relevance in a rapidly changing business environment as part of our commitment to the modernization and transformation of Fiji Ports to greater heights. As the major Pacific link in the global supply chain, the company’s presence was notable at the 30th International Association of Ports and Harbours World Ports Conference in Bali, Indonesia; the 2nd Port Expert Workshop held in Busan, South Korea and the Regional Workshop on Energy Management in Ports, held in Auckland, NZ. We also had our staff participated in training abroad such as the Elements of Marine Pilotage Training in Malaysia.

EFFECTIVE RESPONSE

A highlight for the year was the rapid response emergency plan that saw our Operation staff taking swift action to oversee and assist when the Southern Phoenix capsized at the Suva’s Kings Wharf. If it wasn’t for their prudent action to tow the vessel away from the wharf to a safe, shallow area, the vessel would have caused damages to Port infrastructure and affected the use of the South Kings Wharf by cruise liners and tankers. FPCL has also ensured safe access to the Government Shipping Services Wharf by the removal of derelict vessels. Despite the significant cost involved, FPCL continues to work on clearing derelict vessels, keeping the harbour clear for safe navigation within our port boundaries. All derelict vessel owners have been issued with the removal orders.

OUR CUSTOMERS & STAFF

FPCL continues to commit itself towards enhancing service delivery to its customers. A highlight was the 10 weeks Chinese Language Beginners Level Training conducted to ease communication with our ever increasing Asian customers. For the staff, we are progressing with Job Evaluation and review of Job Descriptions and Key Performance Indicators that will also have monitory benefits once implemented. This collective comprehensive exercise which also involves review of Band Positions, will address critical human resource aspects overlooked for the past 10 years.

THANK YOU

Christmas is a time for reflection and a rejuvenation of hope for the future and the commitment and team effort have enabled us to meet challenges. Thank you to all staff for your tremendous effort in 2017.We would like to thank our Chairman and Board of Directors for their guidance, our shareholders for their standing commitment, and liaising staffs of our shareholding ministry especially the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Enterprise for their ongoing support. May we do our best at all times as we seek to develop as an organization, improve the prosperity of our businesses and grow as individuals, contributing in whatever capacity for the benefit of FPCL. I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, joy, productivity and prosperity.

Vajira Piyasena

CEO

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited