Information and communications technology to Fiji

(Last updated: 21 Aug 2008)

Trends and opportunities

The market

Fiji has efficient and reliable telecommunications systems with links to New Zealand, Australia and North America via access to the Southern Cross Cable. The Fiji Government has previously provided protection to three major monopolies, through the incorporation of a public company called Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited (ATH) that collectively makes the country’s telecommunications industry. 

The main companies include:

• Telecom Fiji Ltd exclusively provides domestic transmission of voice and data services
• Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd (Fintel) has the monopoly for the supply of international voice and data services into and out of Fiji
• Vodafone Fiji Ltd is the sole provider of mobile telecommunication services

However, the government intends to start the de-regulation of the telecommunications industry as early as October 2008 and Digicel has already obtained a licence to provide mobile telecommunications services from October 2008 and become the second mobile telecommunications service provider in Fiji.

In addition to these, there are a number of privately owned companies that are key players through their associations with reputable global brands and representation in the industry. However, these companies can only provide certain generic services that do not violate exclusive rights granted by government to ATH subsidiaries.

The information technology industry is driven by the private sector with local franchise holders representing a wide range of internationally renowned brands and a number of local firms involved in software development and support.

Recently the Internet market in Fiji was deregulated and new entrants to this market segment have started offering ADSL and wireless Internet services across Fiji.

With a population of less than a million people, Fiji is not a large market but one that is very well suited for small to medium enterprises to test their products and finetune export strategies.

Opportunities

Opportunity areas in Fiji’s information and communications technology industry include:

• Computer hardware and peripherals
• Uninterruptible power supplies and surge control systems
• Telephone systems
• Integrated voice recording systems
• Software and hardware consultancy services
• Software products particularly in accounting, payroll, HRM, distribution and logistics, library, medical, legal, manufacturing, agricultural, hospitality, retail and POS systems
• Education and training
• Wireless Internet services

• The Fiji Government is embarking on e-commerce for all its ministries and departments and centralising governments data back-up storage bank 

Competitive environment

Australian suppliers face competition mainly from New Zealand. Other sources of competition are Malaysia and Asia, particularly for hardware.

Tariffs, regulations and customs

Computer hardware enjoys duty-free status (HS Code 8471.30.00) while software has a three per cent fiscal duty (HS Code 8524.51.20 and 8524.53.20). In addition, a 12.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable on all products.

Customs authority contact details:

Customs Service
Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority
5th Floor, Dominion House
PO Box 175
Suva, Fiji
Tel: +679 330 2322
Fax: +679 331 5537

Marketing your products and services

Market entry

It is recommended that Australian information, communications and technology (ICT) suppliers consider the following approaches to Fiji’s ICT industry:

• Government

  Government Suppliers Department and Information Technology and Computing (ITC) Services coordinate the Fiji Government’s ICT requirements and regularly issue tenders and requests for quotations.  ITC Services will be able to provide further advice on short and long term requirements in various government departments.
  

• Local partnership

  Most Fiji ICT-based companies are interested in pursuing exclusive distributorship arrangements with reputable brands that give them the leverage for differentiation and competitive advantage. The advantage to the supplier is having a local representative that can grow and penetrate the market and that has the expertise to provide support services for long-term viability.

• ICT suppliers would have a better chance of success if they are able to differentiate their products from what is already sourced from New Zealand, North America and Asia


• Fiji businesses have extensive experience in dealing with ICT products and would be very receptive to new and innovative products.


• Services and consultancy is emerging as a strong industry sector and this has been due to the massive loss of skilled personnel due to migration and the lack of capacity by local training institutions to adequately meet the demand.


• Consistent contacts with Government Supplies Department and ITC Services will be beneficial as they would be able to advise on short and long term opportunities and usually these are quite substantial in value and size.


• Fiji companies expect good back up support for ICT products that they take on.

Distribution channels

ICT products and services are distributed in Fiji through:

• Direct distribution
• Joint venture or distribution arrangements with one or a number of local business partners
• Supply arrangements with large corporations and government based on their requirements
• On a project-by-project basis through direct consultancy contracts with government agencies or corporate entities

Links and industry contacts

ICT–related resources

ITC Services Online (Publications) – www.itc.gov.fj/publications.html#sdp

Government, business and trade resources for Fiji

Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau – www.ftib.org.fj
Fiji Government – www.fiji.gov.fj

Contact details

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency, operating as a statutory agency within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.

Austrade assists Australian businesses contribute to national prosperity by succeeding in trade and investment, internationally, and promoting and supporting productive foreign investment into Australia.

Austrade:

• Delivers services that assist Australian businesses initiate, sustain and grow trade and outward investment.
• Promotes Australia as an inward investment destination and, with the States and Territories, supports the inflow of productive foreign direct investment.
• Administers the Export Market Development Grants scheme.
• Undertakes initiatives designed to improve community awareness of, and commitment to, international trade and investment.
• Provides advice to the Australian Government on its trade and investment development activities.
• Delivers consular, passport and other government services in designated overseas locations.

A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is available.

More information

For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au

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