16 Nov, 2019
Location: Sheraton Fiji Resort
Honorable Prime Minister, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama;
Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community
Development, Hon. Premila Kumar;
Hon. Ministers,
Chairman, and Board of Directors of Investment Fiji;
Valued Sponsors;
Business houses;
Invited Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
On behalf of the Board of Investment Fiji, it’s my pleasure to extend a vote of thanks to all those who’ve contributed, in one way or the other, to the success of this year’s Prime Minister’s International Business Awards.
Firstly, Hon. Prime Minister Sir, thank you, for your presence and the time you have given us. Your continued commitment and guidance, not just to the Awards, but to our nation, has led us to where we are today.
You’ve been with us from the very start. Your support to the Awards over the years has inspired new businesses to start and existing businesses to find new markets. You have challenged our private sector to innovate, grow and compete internationally.
Hon Prime Minister, I can speak on behalf of the businesses here, in saying that being here at your awards, – talking to you, interacting with you – perhaps taking selfies with you – is a bonus – whether we win an award or not.
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s please show our appreciation to the Honorable Prime Minister in the usual manner.
To the 12 winners tonight. You’ve shown exceptional performance in your respective business. These awards celebrate your achievements! Please continue striving for excellence, break new barriers and reach new heights.
Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for our winners
To our 12 sponsors – without you, these Awards would not be possible. Your continued support is what makes this Event memorable.
Special thanks to:
Fiji Water for sponsoring the Supreme Award
Ministry of Industry, Trade & Tourism for supporting the Excellence in Innovation Award
DHL Express for the Best Small Business Operating Internationally
CBS Power Solutions for the Best Large Business Operating Internationally
Swire Shipping for the Re- Exporter of the Year Award
BlueScope Fiji for the Excellence in Service Award
Vodafone for the Excellence in E-Commerce Award
Reserve Bank of Fiji for the Primary Industry Business Excellence Award
Ministry of Youth and Sports for the Young Entrepreneurship Award
TFL for the Excellence in Business Leadership Award; and
Tropik Wood Industries for the Socially Responsible Business of the Year Award
Thank you to our Media partners:
Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) for Broadcast promotion
Fiji Sun for print promotion
Thank you also to our event partners:
British American Tobacco;
Tappoos Group of Companies for sponsoring the Wine;
Pure Fiji for the gift packs on the table;
Micro Hire for AV set up and support;
Party & Events Fiji for a wonderful set up of the pre-cocktail & main event function;
ProdeSigns for the Media Wall;
Sheraton Fiji Resort for the venue and logistical support;
And Rako Pasefika for their amazing performances.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I want to convey a special thanks to our judges, who had the difficult task of picking tonight’s winners. To the 7 judges, thank you for your valuable time and your commitment.
To those businesses who entered the Awards, thank you for taking part in this year’s Prime Minister’s International Business Awards. Thank you for sharing your stories of success and overcoming challenges. All your achievements are equally commendable.
To our Master of Ceremony, thank you for expertly navigating through the programme and taking us through the night.
To the Investment Fiji Team, staging such an event warrants both, attention to detail and keeping an eye on the big picture. Congratulations for putting up a wonderful show tonight.
As I close, I wish to thank everyone for being a great audience and for your participation in tonight’s event.
Please enjoy the rest of the evening.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu!