Tanoa Hotel Group Chairman, Yanktesh Permal Reddy,
Tanoa Hotel Group Area General Manager,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
For the past few months, my team and I have been around Fiji, visiting various industry stakeholders who’ve been severely impacted. I acknowledge this is a very difficult time and many businesses and Fijians associated with the tourism industry are suffering.
But even during this difficult time, we see hope through those who have still laboured on. Using this time — working with the Fijian Government — working with each other, to come up with creative ways to continue business.
And this is why we’re here today – to see one of the pioneers of the Fijian tourism industry, Mr. Y.P. Reddy and his team, stage this trade show. You’ve continued to keep faith in Fiji, and your potential, as a 100 percent locally owned and managed company in business for over 50 years.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We’ve continuously advocated for diversification at all levels. Whether it is as individuals, as businesses, or even as industries. So, today we proudly acknowledge Mr. Reddy’s leadership in expanding the current hospitality portfolio into sectors, such as education, construction and engineering equipment, retail, insurance and real estate, which puts them in an even greater position regionally – and globally.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a great opportunity for buyers and sellers alike, to discover the latest developments in the industry. I see a lot of familiar faces, which shows the importance of reinforcing networks between all stakeholders in the spirit of exploring new possibilities.
You will be presenting new ideas with potential customers, through refreshed perspective, stepping away from traditional networking events, into immersive experiences that excite customers.
As a nation, we pride ourselves in being the hub of the Pacific on many fronts. And we’re thrilled to witness the Reddy group grow over the last few decades and help us maintain the status quo.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This pandemic has taught us a lot. It has taught us how to be self-sufficient, it has taught us empathy. Most importantly, it has taught us resilience through solidarity.
Another thing we’ve learnt is that the impacts of the pandemic is far reaching – beyond health. It’s cross-sectoral, causing unparalleled socio-economic impacts. So, we continue to work tirelessly on creating and sustaining livelihoods for Fijians, during this pandemic.
In an effort to support livelihoods, the Fijian Government introduced the Concessional Loan for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). An initiative that will go towards existing businesses worst affected by the pandemic. They will also go to aspiring entrepreneurs – including those who may have been laid off, but have particular skills to start their own business.
Over 5,000 applications have been assessed – out of which more than 3,700 have been approved at the value of $22.5 million. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Services has already disbursed close to $13 million to these MSMEs.
I’m pleased to announce, we have amongst us some of the recipients of the Concessional Loan. This loan will give these Fijians working capital needs that will really help with their business. This is the level of collaboration and solidarity we need.
These recipients come from different backgrounds, but are brought together by their vigor to earn a living and contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of their families and communities.
- Ms Mereani Qera is in the pastry business and owns a stall at the Laqere Market. With the loan, she will expand her business by investing in a bigger oven to meet customers’ demand.
- Mr Nikesh Prasad, who was in the construction industry and was laid off due to the pandemic. Mr Prasad, with the loan, will start a BBQ stand in Nabua.
- Similarly, Mr Simione Tuisawana was laid off from the retail sector, due to the pandemic. Now he will be able to support his family through his new business venture where he will purchase kava from his village and retail it in Suva.
- Ms Unaisi Cakauniceva, will use the loan to diversify into seafood business, from her food pack and vegetable business.
- Mohammed Ishterhar Hussan, a survey consultant, will use the loan to expand his business and open a branch in Nadi, employing 2 additional Fijians. He will also use part of the funds to purchase farm implements for his sugarcane farm in Ba, which will enable him to make the 2 casual staff permanent.
Please join me in congratulating and wishing them well. (round of applause)
So ladies and gentlemen, I hope that you take inspiration from our very own business tycoon, Mr. Y.P Reddy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
‘Going local’ is undoubtedly one of the most effective, and strongest strategies to deploy. Not just in the wake of the pandemic, but in the future. Whether it’s your employees, your management, or your customers, supporting locals is extremely important.
Earlier this year we launched the “Love our Locals” campaign to build consumer confidence and ignite economic activity in the tourism sector. So, I thank the Tanoa Group for using this platform to introduce guests to new experiences, under the Campaign.
I express my appreciation to the Tanoa Hotel Group for keeping Fijians employed in the tourism sector. Whilst employment numbers have reduced, I’m told the staff have been relentless in their support to the Group by putting aside their normal Job Descriptions and being hands on with any tasks available within their capacity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your sales and marketing activities don’t have to end with this trade show. We encourage you to progress and ensure you continue to deliver safe and quality services for the industry remains of highest priority.
This is our home and we need to build back the foundation stronger. I assure you that your Government will continue to support the tourism industry.
With these few words, it gives me great pleasure in officially declaring the Tanoa Hotel Group Trade Show open.
I wish you all a successful and rewarding time.
Vinaka Vakalevu.