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Remarks by The Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Hon. Faiyaz Siddiq Koya – Handing Over of Rotavators and Water Pumps

Hon. Manoa Kamikamica

Hon. Manoa Kamikamica

Minister

Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications

 

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05 Mar, 2022

Chairman Nabaka Landholding Co-operative, Mr. Jai Ram,

Board of Directors,

Members of the Nabaka Landholding Co-operative Limited,

Members of the Nabaka Community,

Muju Cola Vina!

Today marks a special day for the Nabaka Landholding Co-operative.

We are here today because of you. You’ve shown your ability to step out of your comfort zone and think big. To pursue your dreams, you have taken the leap, which required additional support.

And your Government is happy to assist you in realising your full potential. Your resilience, perseverance and continued hard work, backed by strong partnership, will take you closer to your collective vision for the Co-operative.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Fijian Constitution promotes the right to economic participation. That means, you have the right to decent work, and you have the right to resources to earn a living. And that’s why we’re here today to give you 23 rotavator machines and 22 water pumps. These will be your resources.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One of the benefits of co-operatives is that it allows you to pool your resources together for the benefit of members. The founding members of Nabaka Landholding Co-operatives, 50 years ago, had the foresight to purchase this land, to gain economic benefit for the members. Having set a strong foundation — you’re now embarking on the next phase of economic development – through mechanisation and modernisation of your farms.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Do not let others deviate you from your plans. As a strong collective, you need to continue working hard to realise your goals. Not just for today, but your children and future generations to come. Because just as your founding members set the foundation 50 years ago – you are also setting an even stronger foundation.

This is why the Fijian Government has made it a priority to provide targeted support, especially to those at grassroots level.

This is not a handout. We aren’t here to hand over equipment and leave. This is an investment we’re making as your Government because we know you need it the most right now. It is simple, we’re helping grow. Because when you grow, your communities grow, your towns and cities grow – and our economy grows.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One of the greatest reasons for today is partnership. We’re glad to have partnered with the Nabaka Landholding Co-operative on a one third-two third funding basis.

Through the Integrated Human Resources Development Programme, the Ministry contributed two-third to the equipment valued at over $25,000, with more than $12,000 from the Co-operative.

That ladies and gentlemen, is what we call solidarity – which is also one of the core values of co-operatives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I also want to thank you for being vaccinated. By getting vaccinated – you’ve become a part of the 90% Fijians who made it possible for us to open our international borders, remove curfew, open up businesses and send our children to school.

We cannot take this for granted. As we reboot the economy, our recovery efforts must be expedited.

With tourists coming, demand for food will increase. As the salad bowl of Fiji – you have the opportunity to supply to hotels, restaurants and the local market. But you need to be consistent. You must maintain the quality and standards of your produce.

We want you to think commercially and behave like a business. And we will support you. We have a dedicated MSME Fiji team who can provide business related training and guidance. I have the Director and his team here with me today who you can speak to. And I encourage you to.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With these farming assistance to co-operatives, we hope to see an increase in production of vegetables and a consistent supply. We would also like you to diversify into other agri-produce.

I just returned from Australia, where I met manufacturers, including those manufacturing ginger products. Fijian ginger has a strong demand in Australia and there is huge potential for you – for us – to get into that market.

With commercial export of kava to Australia now open, there is huge potential in that market.  Even Fijian turmeric is making in-roads in the international market. So we need to take advantage of that.

Our range of Fijian Made produce has significant potential, for the niche and high-market around the world.

I also encourage you to join our national brand “Fijian Made-Buy Fijian” by applying for the Fijian Grown or Made logos. This will give recognition and add value to your produce.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I said, you need to think commercially.  And maybe one day Nabaka Landholding Co-operative can set up a processing plant, right here. By processing the farm produce, you are adding value, which means more income. But you must work collectively for the greater good.

Continue to work and look after the equipment, because the equipment belongs to the Co-operative. If for some reason the water pump is not working – please fix it. If the rotavator needs servicing – please service it. This is a simple yet important discipline to maintain.

Before I take my seat, I want to emphasise that the Ministry and the Fijian Government, is here to support you. If you need training or advisory – reach out to us, reach out to me. We have an office based in Sigatoka – feel free to visit it.

With these words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish you, the Nabaka Co-operative, all the best in your future. Hopefully in the years to come, I’ll be back here to your very own processing plant.

Vina Valevu!

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