Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Hon. Premila Kumar,
Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Semi Koroilavesau,
Permanent Secretaries,
Chair of the RISE/YES Selection Panel, Mr Saud Minam,
Members of the RISE/YES Selection Panel,
Representatives of the Tertiary Institutions and Private Sector,
Invited Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
On behalf of the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Hon. Premila Kumar, it is my pleasure to extend a vote of thanks, on this occasion of the launch of the Research and Innovation Scheme for Enterprises or RISE.
Firstly, I would like to thank the Hon. Prime Minister who although couldn’t join us today, has played an instrumental role in shaping the vision of our economy. You would have seen Hon. Prime Minister strongly advocating innovation, be it in our climate leadership, or encouraging diversification for increased exports. It is through his guidance today we embark on yet another milestone in our pursuit for a strong and resilient economy.
Hon. Minister Kumar, thank you for being with us today and launching the RISE initiative. I’m sure your words of encouragement to the business community will create more focus and interest on research and development (R&D), nationally.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to reiterate points made by the Hon. Minister and Chair. In order to survive and remain competitive, whether in Fiji, or the global market, our Fijian Businesses need to, constantly, offer value that no one else is offering. Especially, since we cannot compete on price or volume.
Innovation is a proven driver of creating value that leads to economic growth. Investing in innovation gives us the ability to create new high value industries (products and technology), create high value jobs, and remain relevant and competitive with fast moving global market place.
This is why the Fijian Government is placing special emphasis in nurturing an innovation-based economy, and fostering an innovative and technology-friendly culture in our businesses, communities, schools and every-day lives.
We want to enable a healthy eco-system for entrepreneurs and start-ups so businesses in Fiji continue to, not only survive, but thrive.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have some good examples of Fijian businesses that have taken steps to innovate. Who would have thought you could drink banana or guava flavoured kava shots, that calms and sooths you. We have on the market kava flavoured coffee and chocolate that invigorates and relaxes you at the same time. Today, we have healthier manufactured biscuits food, beauty products made from natural local products such as coconut, nama and noni, with tea and alcohol as well.
Our own YES recipients are using drone technology to map surveys, and venturing into automated traffic studies. They are using innovative hydroponics to grow vegetables in small spaces. Speaking of which, our YES recipients are also utilising the “tiny homes” movement to provide affordable housing and are using garden refuse to create fuel.
These are trailblazers, and their research has made headways in creating a niche market for Fijian made products and services. It is in our interest that businesses innovate, as it enables Fiji to strengthen its position as a regional hub for trade and R&D.
We strongly believe that RISE, will provide a platform for businesses that want to do R&D, but do not have the initial funding or access to the required expertise. Our highly qualified RISE Selection Panel provides an additional source of skills and knowledge that will be at the disposal of all the applicants.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish extend a special thanks to the Selection Panel. These are accomplished individuals from the private sector, government agencies and academia, who are taking out their precious time to support this Fijian Government initiative.
Chair and members present here today, you are examples of how public-private partnership can successfully work for the benefit of all. Thank you for your continued commitment.
Thanks go to the media gathered here today. You are very important in ensuring that the information on RISE reaches all the entrepreneurs out there, who have innovative research ideas.
It would be remiss of me, if I did not express appreciation to the Ministry team for their efforts in this initiative, including the design of RISE website and logo.
Lastly, RISE is more than a Government programme, it is a national ‘call to action’ for building a smarter and more prosperous society and country. All your efforts are needed to make it into a success.
Thank You. Vinaka Vakalevu!