FRCS today marked a significant milestone in its commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with a vibrant celebration of MSME Day 2025. The event, held in Suva, was graced by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Hon. Sashi Kiran as Chief Guest, who commended the resilience and growth of Fiji’s MSME sector.

A total of 110 MSMEs who are members of the FRCS MSME Business Community were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment to business development and compliance. Notably, 50 of these MSMEs have successfully completed a three-year training and coaching program, emerging as independent, tax- and customs-compliant businesses.

“Let me begin by commending the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) for its unwavering commitment to supporting MSMEs, not only through tax and customs facilitation, but also through its education, training, and awareness initiatives. Your efforts to equip small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the formal economy are truly commendable,” said Hon. Minister.

 “In particular, I want to acknowledge the various training programs and outreach activities FRCS has undertaken. These have helped MSMEs better understand their tax obligations, access available incentives, and navigate often complex customs processes critical to their growth and expansion. These efforts are not just about promoting compliance they are about building capacity, strengthening transparency, and advancing economic empowerment, “she said.

“We know that for many MSMEs, especially those in their early stages, the world of taxation and customs can seem complex and intimidating. That is why tax education and customs literacy are essential. When MSMEs are well-informed, they are empowered to make smarter decisions, access government support, and contribute more meaningfully to national development.”

The FRCS MSME Business Community initiative was designed to bridge the knowledge gap for small businesses, helping them navigate the complexities of tax filing, customs procedures, and regulatory compliance. The program has not only improved business practices but also contributed to the formalization of the MSME sector in Fiji.

FRCS CEO Mr. Udit Singh highlighted the broader impact of the initiative:

“Over the past year alone, FRCS has trained more than 6,000 MSMEs in tax and customs processes. This is not just about compliance. It is about building a stronger, more resilient economy. MSMEs are the backbone of our communities, and when they thrive, Fiji thrives,” Mr. Singh stated.

Mr. Singh emphasized that tax and customs literacy is essential for MSMEs to grow sustainably, access new markets, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“By equipping MSMEs with the tools and knowledge they need, we’re not only helping them succeed but we’re strengthening the entire economic fabric of our nation.”

The event also featured testimonials from MSME owners who shared how the FRCS training transformed their businesses from informal operations to structured enterprises with clear financial records and growth strategies.

As the celebrations concluded, FRCS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting MSMEs through continued education, digital tools, and personalized coaching.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is now accepting M-PAiSA payments at all its branches as well as at the Container Freight Stations (CFS) customs in the country.

This is following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between FRCS and Vodafone on Friday 18th July 2025 at the FRCS Headquarters in Nasese, Suva.

The Agreement will enable M-PAiSA users to conveniently make payments at FRCS through QR Pay, significantly improving customer experience by streamlining the payment process for greater accessibility and efficiency for people across Fiji.

The CEO of FRCS Mr Udit Singh stated that the introduction of the M-PAiSA QR Payment platform expands the range of payment options available to our customers. This platform is not only convenient, secure, and user-friendly, but it also enables cashless payments at all FRCS branches and CFS customs in Fiji.

“Our decision to integrate the M-PAiSA wallet aligns seamlessly with FRCS’s strategic vision of becoming a digitally driven and future-focused organisation. As outlined in our Strategic Plan, technology is a key enabler of transformation,” Mr. Singh stated.

Now, M-PAiSA customers can use the popular QR Pay to make digital payments for taxes, duties, and VAT payment to the FRCS. This collaboration allows customers to make quick, secure, and hassle-free payments by scanning the M-PAiSA QR code.

The General Manager Digital Financial Services (M-PAiSA), Mr Shailendra Prasad said “we are pleased to add FRCS to the growing list of business, statutory and government entities who are integrating M-PAiSA as a convenient payment option for their clients.  With over 500,000 registered users and 4,000 business outlets accepting M-PAiSA payment, it provides a highly accessible, convenient and secure payment platform without the need to carry large amounts of cash”. 

Our teams from the Western Division have successfully concluded a series of impactful education, awareness, and outreach initiatives across key locations in the Western corridor. These included active participation in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Markets for Change (M4C) Project Market Fairs held in Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, as well as outreach visits to Magodro High School and Nadarivatu Highland School in the highlands of Ba.

The UNDP M4C Project is designed to uplift the livelihoods of market vendors and their families by enhancing business acumen, increasing income opportunities, and improving access to essential services.

At the Market Fairs, the FRCS team operated an information and service booth that attracted hundreds of taxpayers. The team provided on-the-spot assistance with:

• Registration for Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS)
• Applications for Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) and JOINT ID Cards
• Business registration support
• General tax advisory services

This initiative not only promoted FRCS’s digital services but also ensured that individuals with limited access to FRCS offices due to time constraints or geographic challenges could still receive the support they need.

FRCS’s on-site presence delivered several key benefits. By providing services directly at market stalls, vendors were able to save valuable time and continue operating their businesses without interruption. Many women entrepreneurs took advantage of the accessible services, which supported the growth and management of their businesses. Additionally, the initiative fostered stronger connections with local communities, offering valuable insights into their specific needs. These engagements also helped strengthen relationships with vendors and stakeholders, laying the groundwork for more tailored and effective support in the future.

In addition to the Market Fairs, the Ba team revisited Navala Village to deliver JOINT ID Cards and TIN letters from a previous outreach registration. The team also engaged with Magodro and Nadarivatu Highland Schools to discuss future collaboration and promote the use of TPOS, especially now that these schools are equipped with Starlink internet connectivity.

These efforts reflect FRCS’s ongoing commitment to making tax services more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Fijians.