The Prime Minister, Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama,
Na Vanua; Na Turaga na Tui-koro,
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Sh P. S. Karthigeyan,
Na Turga nai Talatala,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula Vinaka!
I would like to thank the Nananu Community for the welcome we received today – vinaka vakalevu.
I am supposed to introduce the Hon. Prime Minister, but Ladies and Gentlemen, as you all know he needs no introduction. But I would like to take a few short moments to share with you as to how he has helped small business and rural communities all over Fiji.
Four year ago, the Hon. Prime Minister launched the roadside stall project in Vakabela, Navua. When he handed over the first stalls – he reminded us of how you (farmers and vendors) contribute to the economy.
The money you earn, you take back to your business, your home, and your community.
At that time, we handed over 20 semi-permanent and 10 portable stalls — making the commitment to providing more every year — reaching more Fijians around the country.
And today, that vision lives on, with over 102 stalls handed over to vendors all over Fiji. Today’s event will make it 103.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You will remember 22 months ago, during one of Hon. Prime Minister’s visit to Tailevu, he made a commitment to provide the stalls to the community. During that period, Fiji went through the COVID-19 Pandemic and came out successfully, through all of our efforts.
But that commitment and promise was never forgotten – and today – it has been delivered. A commitment that will support over a hundred women and youth here in Nananu village.
If you are one of the vendors in Nananu, you no longer have to worry about your hard work getting spoiled by the heat or the rain. You no longer have to worry about your stall getting damaged by natural disasters, as we have seen in the past. You will have a much cleaner and safer space to sell your produce.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Support for small and micro businesses, community-led businesses and co-operatives have been an important goal of the Fijian Government.
The Hon Prime Minister and his Government introduced a number of ground-breaking initiatives. We have the Micro, Small Business Grant (MSBG), National Export Strategy (NES), Northern Development Programme (NDP), Trade Enhancement Programme, MSME COVID-19 Concessional Loans and initiatives that are powered by strong partnerships such as with the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and co-operatives. Roadside stalls is one of those initiatives
Through these programmes, we have invested over $100 million in MSMEs through the Ministry alone. Over $35 million or 35 percent was provided during the pandemic.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A lot of what we have achieved has been through meaningful partnership – even in our hardest of times. What we are witnessing today is a result of such partnerships.
The Roadside Stalls project for Nananu had been made possible with the support of the Indian Government. These are actually the first stalls built in partnership with the Indian Government, who are our first bilateral partners in this.
The Indian Government’s support is also an indication of the confidence in the Fijian Government’s initiatives and the Fijian people.
So to the High Commissioner and the Government of India – thank you very much.
We expect to replicate this model for the construction of stalls in Navutu, Lautoka, next, and other places around Fiji.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To the Nananu Community, and the Turaga ni Koro, who will be receiving the new stalls on behalf of the community, this initiative is a testament that your Government believes in you. It believes in your capabilities to grow and reach new heights.
It is important that you utilise and maintain the stalls wisely as you grow your business and livelihoods.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Initiatives, such as the Roadside Stalls, are part of our Hon. Prime Minister’s efforts in building a stronger Fiji where every Fijian grows and benefits.
We have stood strong and tall, amongst other bigger nations under the leadership of our Hon. Prime Minister, who has shown care for each and every Fijian.
With those few words, I now have the great honour in inviting the Hon. Prime Minister to deliver the keynote address. Vinaka.
