Yesterday, the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and the Fiji Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources signed a pioneering MoU at the latter’s headquarters in Nasese. The MoU was signed by the Acting CEO of FDB, Ms. Titilia Vakaoca Kamil, and the Permanent Secretary for the Fiji Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr. Paula Cirikiyasawa.
The signing of this MoU signifies that the FDB and the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources can now seamlessly share essential information through their digital systems. This integration allows for more efficient and timely processes for individuals interacting with both entities.
For example, when applying for a loan at FDB that requires land information from the Ministry, the Bank can access that information instantly through their system rather than waiting for documents to be manually sent over. This means faster services, less paperwork, and a more streamlined process for people dealing with both the Bank and the Government Ministry.
This partnership will expedite services, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall experience for the general public, contributing to a more digitally connected and efficient Fiji. Notably, this means that those in rural or remote communities will have improved access to essential services, saving both time and money by avoiding the need to travel to the Government Ministry offices.
Furthermore, this collaboration between the Bank and the Ministry means that investors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who rely on quick access to funding and land approvals can benefit significantly through quicker processing times that are commercially ideal for streamlined real estate and land development projects. This is one of the statutory processes that will make Fiji even more attractive to investors; a factor that will impactfully contribute to the local economy.
Ms. Titilia Vakaoca Kamil, Acting CEO of FDB, highlighted that “FDB is proud to be at the forefront of digital transformation in Fiji’s financial sector. This collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources marks the first of its kind and sets a new standard for how institutions can leverage technology to enhance service delivery.”
“The whole reason for this platform is to bring about efficiency and accuracy of state leasehold information, and we believe this will have tremendous benefit to the Bank, to the Ministry and most importantly, to our valued customers who are lessees for that matter,” she continued.
She added, saying that “this is a wonderful example of the left hand working fluidly alongside the right hand to seamlessly integrate our two systems into one. The end result is a faster, more modernised process that will ultimately benefit every Fijian who relies on our services.”
