IN THE BEGINNING
Freight Services (Fiji) was established in the year, 1996 and started of its journey as a leading Export and Import service provider for overseas investors who invested in Fiji to make use of the benefits given through market forces and international trade policies such as the GATT 1994 agreement.
The subsequent negotiations, trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas were gradually reduced, creating more favorable conditions in international trade for those countries who were under this multilateral union.
Click on the WTO Logo to view the
Fiji: 1997 Trade Policy Review
Fiji became a member of the WTO in January 1996 and immediately felt the benefits of being a member through lower tariffs and improved market access. This trade lane created the platform for Freight Services (Fiji) to expand its operations and connect the Pacific to the world on a larger scale.
Making the most of this market opportunity, Mr. Joe Taoi had made the bold decision to leave his place of stability of employment and venture into a new field altogether, a field of business. Back in the 90’s, seeing Fijians becoming businessmen was extremely rare and to see this young man (26 years old) make the decision to become that rare Fijian to make a difference in the social dynamics was something to behold.
Stories are often told of how Mr. Taoi had taken Freight Services (Fiji) up into his own arms as if it was his own child. He nurtured it, spent time with it, invested in it and sure enough just as he was hoping for, the company did not let him down but instead acted as a springboard for him to pursue other ventures while managing it at the same time.
With nothing to lose, a head full of knowledge on the logistics and trade industry (having worked at BP Shipping and DHL – the two major multinational shipping companies at the time) and a burning desire to take advantage of the benefits the nation was receiving from this trade agreement, Mr. Taoi had made plans with business partner and company co-founder, Mr. Francis Hong Tiy to open two sister companies. Shipping Services (Shipping line agent) and Freight Services (The Freight Forwarder / Cargo Agent).
Mr. Hong Tiy had invested his personal funds into the opening of these 2 companies and had entrusted Mr. Taoi with partial ownership of Freight Services (Fiji) through the handing of shares due to his loyalty and hard work. Both companies expanded and eventually, Mr. Taoi had purchased all the shares from Mr. Hong Tiy, thus making him the sole owner of Freight Services (Fiji). Mr. Taoi, through determination and hard work, had weathered many storms which made him resilient and more experienced in business.
He later expanded the company by increasing the popularity of the company on the global stage, opening branches in different countries and pursuing the highest quality certifications the world has to offer. He also expanded the company and created more revenue streams into its operations. Towards the end of his career, He was appointed on multiple boards of Fiji such as FNPF, TFL, Vodafone and HFC.
Unfortunately, he was called to rest in February 2025 after battling a very severe case of cancer. Although his life was cut short, the relationships he built, the memories he made, the organization he built and the love that he portrayed will be something that will be cherished in the hearts of many. It can be said that he died a happy man who lived a life most dream of living. An inspiration to his children. Friends and the entire nation of what hard work can do as he always liked to say “Na tamata dou cakacaka se sega ni dou madua taka dua na ka”
A YOUNG MAN’S DREAM
On a rocky land, a young man stands,
With a mind so bright, and eager hands,
His eyes fixed on the distant seas,
A vision of business, he longs to seize.
With dreams of commerce, he ponders wide,
Of freight and trade, beyond the tides,
Of opening pathways, to the world beyond,
And building bridges, from the Pacific Pond.
With boundless energy, and fearless heart,
He sets forth to make his mark,
With grit and passion, he works each day,
And slowly, surely, he paves the way.
He reaches out, to lands afar,
To customers, partners, and shippers by far,
Building networks, from shore to shore,
And opening doors, that were closed before.
Through the waves, his cargoes sail,
Bringing goods and growth, to his native trail,
And with each success, his star does rise,
A beacon of hope, in Fijian skies.
And as the world takes notice of his feat,
They marvel at his courage, and his fleet,
A young Fijian, who dared to dream,
And made the Pacific, a global stream.
So let us celebrate this Young Man so bold,
Who opened the world, with his courage untold,
For he is a symbol, of our islands light
And is a beacon of hope, in the darkest night
The above is a poem which Joeli had made for his father a few years ago to describe the life lived by his father as a young Fijian man with humble beginnings coming from the village to the city to live out his dream. This poem was also read during Mr. Taoi’s Eulogy by his son Joeli as his last goodbye to his teacher, role model, father and mentor.
As for Freight Services (Fiji) and its management, it is safe to say that it is in capable hands being run by his four children, Api, Tom, Jjoe and Soph. They look forward to taking the company to a higher level than what their father had left it at and with teamwork and adherence to the quality management standards set up by their father, there is no telling on how far the company could expand.
It recently has since joined the United Nations in their efforts for a more sustainable society by joining the United Nations Global Compact. #UnitingBusiness with the #UnitedNations.
Please click this link to access the signed Letter of Commitment by Mr. Taoi.
A perfect start towards the journey in #ConnectingThePacificToTheWorld 😊
THE LIGHT OF THE PACIFIC
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” –
Matthew 5:14- 16
It is not in trying to “Be” that we “Become” the Light the world desires to find. It is in the wwillingness to serve our customers that we naturally become:
- The Light our customers and networks seek diligently for
- The Light that displays its radiance from the South Pacific
- The Light that begins from the East and Spans to the West
- The Light that reaches towards the ends of the World.
Click on the image below to receive your gift from us here at FSF, VINAKA 😊
