Mr. Atik Lal and family,
Community Members of Naulu, Nakasi,
Invited Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka, and a very good evening to you all.
It is my pleasure to be here today to officiate the opening of what can be looked on as an achievement of a budding business owner.
Firstly, I would like to congratulate Mr. Atik Lal for establishing, “Fair Trade Liquor & Groceries”.
In recent days, we have celebrated the accomplishment of Fijians like Atik who have furthered their interest of establishing a small business, whether it is a canteen, a co-working space or a barbershop – what truly matters is your passion and dedication into making your dreams and aspirations a reality.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government encourages all Fijians to pursue their dreams and through their skills development, become job creators rather than job seekers. Our vision has always centered around “Creating a Brighter Economic Future for All” – and we are gathered here today to support an entrepreneur to create a future for himself, his family and most importantly for his community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As policy makers, our priority is to create a conducive and enabling business-friendly environment, whether you are a micro entrepreneur or a large business, through the access to finance, training resources, and business advisory or mentor services for the progressive development of promising business proposals.
We want businesses like Atik’s to grow and thrive – and in doing so, aid in our recovery efforts. The COVID 19 pandemic has not been easy for a lot of businesses however seeing entrepreneur’s such as Atik, this definitely showcases the enduring spirit of our aspiring business owners – the true “Fijian Spirit”
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There are many things we can learn from Atik’s journey as a gentleman from Rakiraki who came to Suva in search of greater opportunities. Coming from a retail and merchandising background, Atik’s years of experience has progressed into a tangible business, ready and waiting to open its doors to all of us gathered here this evening.
Atik – your business venture will serve not only the people of this community, but also all those who will be visiting Naulu. I am told, the operating hours of Fair Trade Liquor & Groceries will be from 6am to 11pm daily, so it will create economic impetus within this close-knit community of Naulu, and I commend you for providing your community this service.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the Minister responsible for “Creating Sustainable Growth of Commerce and Industry through Innovative and sound Policies that lead to Improved livelihoods for all Fijians” – it is important for us to improve, continually fine-tune and refine our policies to make it pro-development and fit for current times.
Therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We need more enterprising Fijians like Atik to encourage others to step into the area of starting a business, a business close to their heart and a business which is for their family and community. Through such ventures, not only are you supporting livelihoods, you are also motivating young Fijians to contribute to the Fijian economy.
With those few words Ladies and Gentlemen, I once again congratulate Mr. Lal on this new journey.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.