Why outsource to Fiji?

The use of outsourcing has become integral to modern corporate strategies. It enables companies to access cost-effective labor while maintaining high levels of quality and efficiency. 

Quite a few new outsourcing hubs have emerged in recent years, and Fiji is one of them. 

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji offers a unique blend of strategic advantages that make it an enticing destination for outsourcing endeavors. 

In the 488th episode of the Outsource Accelerator Podcast, Investment Fiji’s CEO Kamal Chetty explains how Fiji has established itself for long-term outsourcing expansion. 

Why outsource to Fiji? In this article, we’ll explore the potential of this vibrant island nation to provide a competitive edge in a global marketplace. 

A quick look at Fiji

Here are some quick facts about Fiji: 

• It is located in the subregion of Melanesia, north of New Zealand and northeast of Australia. 
• The country covers a land area of 18,270 square kilometers, with the city of Suva as its capital and largest city. 
• As of 2024, Fiji has an estimated population of 942,071. (Source: World Population Review) 
• The native Fijians, or iTaukei, make up the majority. There is also a large Indo-Fijian population. 
• Fiji is renowned for its tourism industry, particularly in tropical island exploration. 

Why outsource to Fiji? Benefits and advantages

There are numerous benefits in store for those who choose to outsource to Fiji. These advantages make the country an attractive outsourcing destination for businesses. 

Cost-effective labor

Fiji provides a cost-effective outsourcing solution primarily due to its competitive labor rates. 

Compared to more developed outsourcing destinations, labor costs in Fiji are significantly lower. This allows businesses to achieve substantial cost savings while maintaining high-quality services. 

For example, here is an annual salary comparison of some common BPO roles:

Skilled workforce

Fiji boasts a young and digitally-savvy population, one that’s highly-educated and trainable.

The country’s education system emphasizes English proficiency and vocational training, ensuring that workers possess the necessary skills to excel in various industries. 

Additionally, Fijian call center staff are known for their natural friendliness and customer-oriented approach. This improves customer conversations and increases the chance of converting calls into sales. 

Kamal proudly promotes this aspect. 

“We have a very well-developed education system. We were a British colony once, so a lot of things come from that [system].

We also have a strong secondary school sector [with] international students. And English is the major language, so it’s very easy to communicate.”

Strategic location

Fiji’s central location in the Pacific makes it an ideal hub for connecting the Pacific islands with the rest of the world. Large businesses in Australia and New Zealand, in particular, benefit from convenient travel for audits and assessments. 

Kamal notes that a lot of Pacific Islanders call Fiji their home. 

“It’s a very multiracial society that gives us that uniqueness. [And so] the majority of our trade is [with] Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Island countries, and the US.”

In addition to proximity, its convenient time zone also allows for overlap with major markets across Asia, Australasia, Europe, and the Americas. This enables businesses to operate efficiently on a global scale. 

Cultural compatibility

The Fijian culture plays an important role in making Fiji an ideal destination for outsourcing companies. The cultural affinity between Fiji and major English-speaking countries allows for seamless communication and cultural understanding. 

This is especially true for Western markets in Australia, New Zealand, and North America. 

Favorable business environment

Fiji has demonstrated stability and fosters a business-friendly environment that encourages investments. This has contributed to the continuous growth of the outsourcing sector. 

The government offers various incentives and initiatives to attract foreign investment, including: 

• Tax breaks
• Duty exemptions
• Streamlined regulatory processes 

One of its programs is EXO Fiji, an event that aims to promote the country as an outsourcing destination. 

Due to its relatively young status, Kamal says that Fiji is open to both developing its own outsourcing companies and inviting international ones to set up shop.

“There’s a number of outside players that have come in. But recently we’ve also seen a number of local players that want to start growing that sector.

It’s very important to create a balance where we manage our people.” 

Suitable services to outsource to Fiji

If you plan to outsource to Fiji, there are a range of services that you can consider, including: 

Call center services 

Due to its proficient English-speaking workforce, Fiji is an ideal destination for outsourced call center services. 

Whether it’s customer support, telemarketing, or technical assistance, Fijian call center agents can provide high-quality service. You’re assured of effective communication with your customers from English-speaking markets. 

IT and software development 

Fiji has a growing IT sector with skilled software developers and IT professionals. 

Businesses can outsource the following services:

• Software development 
• Mobile app development 
• Web design 
• Database management and maintenance 
• IT support 

Back-office operations

Fiji outsourcing providers offer back-office outsourcing services to help companies streamline their workflow and focus on core business activities.

These operations include: 

• Data entry
• Transcription 
• Document processing
• Administrative tasks
• Finance and accounting
• Human resources services
• Procurement 

Additionally, Kamal says that the industry aims to focus on Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO).

“Our aim is more KPO and high skill as we move forward, because obviously we have universities here. We have good graduates, [so we need] to provide them pathways into this sector.” 

The right way to outsource to Fiji

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to successfully outsource to Fiji:

1. Define your needs

Begin by identifying the specific tasks or services you want to outsource. Familiarize yourself with Fiji’s outsourcing industry and match its capabilities with your needs. 

2. Identify suitable partners

Conduct thorough research to find potential outsourcing partners in Fiji. Utilize online directories, business networks, and industry associations to find reputable companies. 

When selecting a partner, consider factors such as industry experience, expertise, and capacity. 

3. Assess cultural fit and communication

Assess the cultural compatibility and communication capabilities of potential Fijian service providers. Look for companies with English-speaking staff who understand your business culture and communication preferences. 

Schedule meetings or video calls to gauge their professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to effectively communicate with your team.

4. Understand legal and regulatory considerations

Evaluate the legal and regulatory framework governing outsourcing in Fiji. Ensure that your agreement complies with local laws, regulations, and contractual requirements. 

Consider consulting with legal experts to navigate this challenge, including reviewing the following: 

• Contracts
• Intellectual property rights
• Confidentiality agreements
• Dispute resolution mechanics

5. Negotiate terms and agreements

Once you’ve selected a preferred outsourcing partner, negotiate the terms and conditions of your engagement. 

Specifically, define these details in your contract: 

• Scope of work 
• Service level agreements (SLAs)
• Pricing structure
• Payment terms
• Project timelines

Clarify expectations, roles, and responsibilities to establish a mutual understanding of the project requirements.

6. Establish effective communication channels

Establish clear communication channels with your Fijian outsourcing partner to facilitate seamless collaboration and project management. 

Utilize the following different channels to stay connected and exchange information regularly:

• Email 
• Phone calls
• Video conferences
• Project management tools 
• Messaging platforms

It would be helpful to designate a project manager or liaison who can serve as the main point of contact for both parties. 

7. Provide training and support

Provide comprehensive training and support to onboard your Fijian outsourcing team effectively. 

Share relevant documentation, guidelines, and resources to ensure they understand your business processes, quality standards, and expectations. 

8. Monitor performance and provide feedback

Monitor the performance of your Fijian outsourcing partner closely and track key metrics to evaluate their effectiveness. 

Make adjustments as needed to ensure that the outsourcing partnership remains cost-effective and efficient. Provide constructive feedback and improvement initiatives to achieve desired outcomes. 

9. Cultivate long-term relationships

Cultivate a long-term partnership with your Fijian partner based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

Invest in building strong relationships, fostering open communication, and recognizing their contributions to your business success. 

Explore opportunities for expansion, innovation, and value-added services to maximize the benefits of outsourcing to Fiji over time. 

According to Kamal, Investment Fiji and the government are very open to communicating with interested parties.

“If you have any inquiries, [we’d] be happy to take you through everything that can be done here. We’ll be happy to support you during that journey.”