Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka visited the BRED Bank Fiji Head Office in Suva yesterday. This visit strengthens the collaboration between BRED Bank and the government in the effort to build a prosperous and resilient economy for Fiji said CEO Thierry CHARRAS-GILLOT.
The Honorable Prime Minister was accorded with a traditional isevusevu welcome ceremony by the staff of the Bank.
While receiving the ‘Tabua’ (traditional welcome token) the Hon. Prime Minister said he accepted it with gratitude and on behalf of his Chief, the Government, the Vanua and from all ethnicities of Fiji.
The Prime Minister shared his sentiments on the Salusalu (traditional Fijian necklace) offered to him during the welcome ceremony. He said that he was very appreciative of the colors picked for the Salusalu because it reflected the colors of The Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur), highest French award, which he received in 1980 for acts of bravery while serving in Lebanon.
The Honorable Prime Minister thanked the BRED Bank Management, staff, Board of Directors and Shareholders for its continuous investments and services in Fiji. The Prime Minister also reminded on how BRED Banque Populaire (BRED Bank’s Parent company) in France was formed over a 100 years ago through the concept of cooperative shareholders of Farmers and grass-roots people.
He said, coming from the grassroots himself, he has the people of the grassroots at heart and he was very appreciative that BRED Bank Fiji is performing its duty with this concept and gaining the loyalty of its customers each day.
The Head Office staff of the Bank were delighted to meet with Honorable Prime Minister. The Executives and the CEO thanked the Prime Minister for taking valuable time out from his very busy schedule to visit BRED Bank.
CEO Thierry CHARRAS-GILLOT reassured their commitment to its customers as their collaboration is stronger under the government with the passion of building a prosperous and more resilient economy. He also said they are looking to open a new branch at the Harbour Centre point at Suva at summer and a new branch in Labasa in September.
Prime Minister is greeted by staff 
Prime Minister Rabuka with the ‘Tabua’ (traditional welcome token) 
Prime Minister with BBF EXCO Members