Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) and Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) sign MoU for Research Collaboration

November 30, 2022

30 November 2022 – The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) and the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to build a working relationship to jointly support and develop research activities that are mutually beneficial to both institutions. The MoU allows both institutions to undertake research that makes a difference to public policy. The CCoF Chief Executive Officer Ms Seema Shandil said the MoU signing was a significant achievement for both institutions and will further strengthen the research arm of the Council.

“As the leading consumer advocacy organization in Fiji, the Council is mandated to conduct research on issues affecting consumers and make submissions based on its findings to the Government and other enforcement bodies. Through this new partnership, the Council will polish its research capabilities that will ultimately help policy makers make informed decisions; in the interest of the consumers in Fiji,” stated Ms Shandil.

She further stated that the MoU is the testament of the Council’s unification-focussed approach of ensuring a fairer Fijian marketplace as well as APAEA’s commitment towards helping contribute to positive public policy changes in the future.

The President of APAEA, Professor Paresh Narayan said “APAEA is extremely delighted by the CCoF leadership and vision for developing and enhancing its research. APAEA has a proud history of joint research collaborations with several institutions including public policy organisations, universities, and central banks in the Asia-Pacific region, and by partnering with the CCF allows APAEA to expand on its Fiji focus. In Fiji, APAEA is working with institutions such as the RBF, FCCC, TSLS, and the Fiji Higher Education Commission.”

“There is a lot of great work and impact the CCoF-APAEA research collaboration can generate which can potentially have a lasting impact on not only public policy on matters related to consumers but have implications for the region. I am excited by the prospects of joint research and look forward to APAEA’s work with CCoF. I am optimistic our collaboration will witness successful models of achievement and impact which will leave behind a legacy that will make all of us proud,” stated Professor Narayan.

For any queries relating to the above-mentioned event please contact the Council’s Manager Campaigns Information and Media via email manager_cim@consumersfiji.org