28 June 2015 (SUVA)
The Fiji Fuel Retailers Association (FFRA) will convene its annual AGM this week – Wednesday 1 July at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. For the first time the meeting will include a conference format with the theme “Partnerships for Change” for both members and stakeholders this year.
A boost for the event is the acceptance of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to officiate as Chief Guest at the opening of the conference at 9.00am on Wednesday morning.
“As the FFRA strengthens its image, profile and relationships, our annual meeting becomes a building block for developing our industry for the mutual benefit of our members, commercial partners, and other stakeholders,” said FFRA President Mr Nasser Khan.
“The Prime Ministers’ esteemed presence will enable us (FFRA) to grow and strengthen our visibility and our contribution to Fiji’s economy,” Mr Khan mentioned.
Mr Khan said the FFRA represents the country’s main fuel retailers who operate 72 service stations throughout Fiji. Convenience stores at these service stations also cater to the needs of the public by selling a wide selection of consumer products. “We estimate the combined sales of these stores at $40 million a year,” Mr Khan added.
The conference segment of the program will explore amongst other things the role the FFRA fulfills on behalf of the fuel sector in Fiji; stronger partnerships with stake holders like the Private Sector, Fiji Commerce Commission, Weights and Measures as well as FFRA’s corporate social obligations.
To that end the conference will also feature “Ocean Ambassadors” the coordinators of the “Fast Track Fiji” program that focuses the reduction of plastic pollution in Fiji. Managing Director of Ocean Ambassadors Captain Adrian Midwood said that they were extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the FFRA’s 2015 event and that he will be proposing the idea of using the Service Stations as a centralised drop off point for all mixed plastics.
The conference then concludes with the FFRA Annual General Meeting in the afternoon followed by a closing dinner for delegates.
FFRA President Mr Nasser Khan acknowledged the partnership of presenting partners Vodafone Fiji, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Bank of South Pacific (BSP). Supporting partners include Fiji Gas, Ashabhai, Coca Cola, Motibhai, Blue Gas, Nestle and Aqua Pacific.
Press Release