Ms. Shinam Kumar,
Invited Guests,
Family and Friends,
Bula Vinaka and a very Good Morning to you all.
It is an absolute pleasure to be here and to officiate the launch of this environmentally friendly business “Earth Wisher Recyclers”.
A big congratulation to Ms Kumar for starting such a thoughtful business venture. As a young entrepreneur, you have definitely taken strive towards visionary leadership. A second year University student and now a budding business woman. This is truly refreshing.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The FijiFirst Government intends to create investment opportunities and empower our youth to foster innovation and business.
Where our youth not only strive to be “job seekers”, yet to become “job creators” through programmes, such as the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES).
Ms. Kumar has initiated just that, it is always refreshing and encouraging to see our youth particularly, our young Fijian women entering the business world with grit and determination.
Our goal, under the 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan, has been to encourage and empower our women to create sustainable livelihood for themselves and now, we are witnessing the result.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We all are aware how challenging the past two years have been, particularly in Nadi. The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting businesses, especially our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), across Fiji and the globe.
Just earlier this week we launched a new initiative, the Trade Enhancement Programme. This is a grant assistance being administered through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport. Essentially, $500 assistance will be made available for skilled Fijians who have ventured into a new trade or want to enhance their existing business.
Even during these struggling times, our fighting spirit has not dampened and we are blessed to be on our road to economic recovery. Fiji has been able to have an early start due to the policies and decisions of the Fijian Government. We have ensured that we provided the appropriate support to Fijians in business. The COVID safe protocols set a platform safe operation of business.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Earth Wishers Recyclers is an absolute need in this day and era. With our efforts to mitigate climate change impact, waste management through proper disposal such as recycling is safe, ethical and responsible.
Proper waste management can help reduce pollution levels.
The Tourism sector is also roped in by this newly registered business and this is exactly the type of synergy, especially for our innovative MSMEs, we want to see and will allow us to achieve the goals we have set for Fiji in terms of climate mitigation.
Ms Kumar conveyed to us also how she has teamed up with her business partners, such as nearby hotels, schools and the wider business community to source raw materials. This is a great start and heading in the right direction.
Ladies and Gentlemen
In my recent visit to Dubai, I was able to meet development partners and private companies that are keen on investing in various business initiatives in Fiji. Discussions also included partnering with Fijian Government on projects related to climate change, clean energy and resilient infrastructure.
With the effects of the Climate Change faced by not only Fiji but at a global level our business structures need to move away from “ozone depleting” business operations to eco-friendly, resilient and “ozone safe”.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to encourage young Fijians to also think outside the box, believe in your ideas and invest in yourself and your business idea that can synergise with multi sectoral needs and excellence.
You have to be confident in what you want to do, without motivation, drive and perseverance the journey towards your dream will seem more difficult.
Don’t be afraid to take the first step. Don’t be afraid to fail, as you will learn from failures to better your craft and do not think that it is the end but a learning curve.
This family is a classic example that is knowledge retention and succession planning as a family! Congrats to you all and the many of us that support such humble beginnings.
Ladies and Gentlemen
With these few words, I wish Ms Shinam Kumar the very best in her business venture and many more commercial successes.
Thank you and have a great day.