Signing of MOU (FNPF) and Agreement (Computer 1)

• Chief Guest – Hon Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, & Sugar Industry- Tomasi Tunabuna
• Permanent Secretaries- Dr Tukana and Dr Kumar and government officials
• General Manager Member Services – FNPF – Mr. Alipate Waqairawai
• UNCDF Representative Ms. Lyn
• Sales and Marketing Manager – Computer 1-Mr. Avinesh Krishna.
• Our management team
• Media representatives, ladies and gentlemen.
  Bula Vinaka
  First of all, whilst acknowledging the almighty, the past, present and future landowners of this place, we thank the Hon Minister and team for the availability, despite parliament sessions in progress. Thank you Hon Minister.
  We see lot of activities happening – Agriculture Women’s Symposium at GPH, Business Link Pacific Assistance Program and at this hour. We have BLP Executive and 27
  57 Drasa Avenue, Lautoka.
  P.O. Box 13,
  Lautoka.
  Phone: 665 0777 / 9989627
  Email: enquiries@scgf.com.fj
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  Delegates attending a work through at our Head Office in Lautoka This is all about the transformation and changes that we are all doing for the lives of the Fijians in Agriculture and Sugar sector.
  Last week, we have shared our strategic pathway and work programs with Hon Minister and we believe despite the challenges in the industry, there are some exciting times ahead. We have brought about many changes and product range for the growers and farming sector.
  We at SCGF acknowledges the support of Fiji National Provident Fund for this collaboration. SCGF has formulated this scheme basically for the growers to have special savings, after the consultation and meetings that we had with growers last year. It is to be noted out of 4301 SCGF customers, 1248 (29%) are already members of FNPF. This scheme will assist the growers to save, getting them highest returns. The scheme is voluntarily only for our growers and such contribution will be made through their share of the proceeds, after loan deductions.
  A grower would have choice to decide the frequency and the amount of payment. This can be in all cane payments or specific cane payment. Once the payment is processed, the grower will be advised through text message. Joining the scheme and remitting of funds is completely free for now. In the event, the growers do not have sufficient funds it would be processed in the next payment. The scheme is only applicable to growers whose accounts are not in default.
  I must acknowledge the funding provided by United National Capital Development Fund. This is the first phase of the project for savings, social security and insurance. This scheme is expected to be rolled out end of the month with next cane payment. I thank FNPF Board and Management for coming on board.
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  The second phase of the UNCDF Funding grant is about the Overdraft Facility for our growers in collaboration with mobile operators and that is planned mid of the year. It is also timely to mention about other digital service project supported by Asian Development Bank. This would have online access to Document tracking system and thank Mr Krishna and Computer 1. This project is expected to be completed by 3rd quarter of this year. We are also signing the MOU today.
  There are many programs we have for the growers; Yesterday we have met our business partners Business Link Pacific deepening our collaboration. This is a Concessional Loans program is implemented by DT Global on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) under a New Zealand International aid and development programme.
  Hon Minister Sir and ladies and gentlemen thank you once again and all of those present.
  Raj Sharma
  Chief Executive Officer