People are at the Heart of Productivity, Says PS Nemani

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Maritino Nemani, says real productivity begins and ends with people — not machines or systems.

Speaking at the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Regional Workshop on Productivity and Talent Management in Nadi, Mr Nemani urged leaders and managers across the region to focus on nurturing talent, saying, “You can have the best technology and the most efficient systems, but without the right people, productivity remains just a dream.”

The event brought together delegates from 15 APO member countries to share ideas on building adaptable and innovative workforces. Mr Nemani said the workshop came at a crucial time as nations grapple with rapid digital change, skill shortages, and the need to keep workers trained for the future.

“Across our region, we face the same challenge, ensuring that every worker, whether young or old, male or female, urban or rural, is given the chance to thrive,” he said. “Growth that leaves women, youth or persons with disabilities behind is not only unfair, it’s economically wasteful.”

Mr Nemani outlined Fiji’s ongoing work through the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) and plans to establish the Productivity Commission of Fiji, which will drive national initiatives to boost efficiency and innovation.

“Our approach is simple,” he said. “People are our most valuable resource. We’re investing in skills, improving workplace cooperation, and helping businesses innovate, not just to survive, but to lead.”

He added that leadership plays a critical role in creating a productive workforce. “Productivity doesn’t happen by accident. It needs leaders who empower their teams and build environments where people want to excel.”

Mr Nemani also praised the partnership between Fiji and the APO, calling it “transformative” for regional cooperation and shared learning.

Closing his speech, he reminded participants that productivity isn’t about statistics, it’s about people’s lives.

“When a young person gains a skill that opens a door, that’s productivity. When a woman finds decent work to support her family, that’s productivity. When people grow, productivity grows, and when productivity grows, nations prosper.”