Bula Vinaka!
Together, we’ve lived and built through some of our greatest world challenges. We’ve done this on the back of some of the smallest scale industries.
We’ve uplifted communities and empowered the vulnerable. We’ve kept jobs and created more opportunities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This week, we mark two very important days. Days that are quite close to home in Fiji. Today, I join millions of Co-operatives and MSMEs around the world and in Fiji to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Co-operatives Day and the 5th anniversary of globally observing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day.
This year, both themes send a strong message. “Co-operatives Build a Better World” and “Resilience and Rebuilding: MSMEs for Sustainable Development.”
Fellow Fijians
Post COVID, MSMEs accounted for 90 percent of businesses, 60 to 70 percent of employment and 50 percent to GDP worldwide.
For us at home, they’ve been the bedrock of our economy. Fijian MSMEs in many ways have shown resilience. They’ve learnt to adapt and we’ve learnt to appreciate.
The Fijian Government has made it a priority to implement policies and programmes that invest in MSMEs. When we support MSMEs, we support and acknowledge a multitude of sectors and stakeholders from financiers, business associations, and development partners to industry pioneers and mentors.
Most, if not all MSMEs, have grown to a place where they compete with larger businesses. Whether it’s in the Creative Arts and Tourism or Manufacturing and Construction.
One way MSMEs have elevated themselves is through the co-operatives model.
The Co-operative business model is a people-centered enterprise that upholds the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. These values have been key to its sustainability and truly builds a better world.
Since the pandemic, we’ve registered over 100 new co-operatives. In fact, we are proud to have a strong co-operative movement in Fiji that has been in existence for over 70 years and with over 400 operating co-operatives who hold $133 million worth of assets.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In line with this year’s theme of “Co-operatives building a better world’’, we acknowledge how this business model has the ability to generate equal economic participation and jobs. Co-operatives have collectively been able to support their members contributing either financially or through upskilling. I am also pleased to note that for the past 3 years, 263 youths and women have become part of management roles in Co-operative.
The Co-operative business model has been a beacon of hope to many budding group entrepreneurs during those trying times. Our fight against climate change is one that we battle on a daily basis and Fijian co-operatives have quickly adopted greener sustainable practices.
Co-operatives continue to evolve and engage in activities such as carbon trading, providing renewable energy through solar panels and the use of solar freezers are just some initiatives undertaken by Co-operatives.
The Fijian Government will continue to work closely with co-operatives to improve production and quality and will continue to do so now more than ever on our road to economic recovery.
Therefore, it gives me great pleasure in launching the 2022 Co-operatives Day Competition to commemorate International Co-operatives Day.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Through this competition, we will be awarding cash prizes of up to $2,000 each to 5 co-operatives. This will only be open to co-operatives who can demonstrate through a write up, presentation or video, how Co-operatives Build a Better World in any four of the following key areas:
● foster economic participation;
● fight against environmental degradation and contribute to climate actions;
● generate good jobs;
● contribute to food security;
● keep financial capital within local communities;
● build ethical value chains;
● improve people’s material conditions and security;
● contribute to positive peace.
The competition is open to all registered operating co-operatives in Fiji.
Applications can be sent through the Ministry’s website www.mcttt.gov.fj or be dropped off at any of our offices across Fiji.
The closing date for applications is on 15 July 2022.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You can support MSMEs and co-operatives in many ways. One sure way of making a difference is by choosing to buy local. Whether it’s choosing a Fijian Grown meal and wearing Fijian Sewn clothes or gifting a Fijian crafted souvenir. It makes a difference.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I also wish to extend my gratitude to the International Co-operative Alliance for its continued support and guidance to the Fijian Government and the co-operative industry in Fiji.
With those few words, I take this opportunity to wish everyone, especially to our resilient Co-operatives and MSMEs, a Happy International Day of Co-operatives and MSME Day.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.