Director of Fiji Arts Council, Mr Macuisela Betei, and team,
Fellow Crafters,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
WELCOME
One of the most valued — most treasured parts of our identity – is our culture. And this culture is carried in many ways, including through our crafts.
I met most of you at the Crafters Expo a few weeks ago in Nausori. So it’s good seeing everyone again.
As the Minister for Commerce, what my Ministry and I want to support more, is the grassroot business and process leading up.
Our collaboration in this series of business training is to nurture, train and guide you. We also want to bring more opportunities for partnership to promote sustainable growth in the industry.
That is why we have with us agencies such as the Registrar of Companies Office and Fiji Revenue and Custom Services.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As crafters, and as artisans, you are an important part of many sectors. You are the creative arts sector, you are the manufacturing and retail sector, you are the tourism sector, you are part of the culture and heritage sector. And I want you to remember that.
So we are here to support you and to increase your contribution to the Fijian economy. We want you to play a much greater role.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have established a dedicated Unit in the Ministry, solely for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSME Fiji’s primary role is to provide business hand-holding services to MSMEs to unlock barriers that create a more enabling business environment.
Our priority is to raise the productivity of MSMEs and to do so by investing in capabilities we need for the future.
So I am told, out of the 19 participants today, 16 are women. Let’s give a round of applause to these women.
Entrepreneurship, particularly women entrepreneurs, in Fiji has shown promising progress over the years. This is due to the proper business environment and support provided to MSMEs. I encourage you to get your business registered.
One of our most recent programmes is the Trade Enhancement Programme which provides support to those with a special trade. Of the 1,808 applications received, 67 percent were enthusiastic women entrepreneurs. This in fact is an investment and I encourage you to apply for this grant of $500.
Additionally, the Fijian Government released a specific product solely for women entrepreneurs. This allocation of $1 million is dedicated for Fiji Development Bank to support women entrepreneurs in realising their visionary business ideas. I encourage you to apply for this opportunity as well.
Apart from providing a series of business training on business costing, cash flow and marketing plan, my Ministry also looks after the ‘Fijian Made – Buy Fijian’ Brand – a national brand that businesses like you can leverage.
With your creative talents that allure one’s attention, needs to be recognised and acknowledged that it is locally made – as policy makers, we recognise this.
Most importantly, with the increase of cruise ships on our shores, it is your opportunity to showcase your talent with the added recognition of the Fijian crafted emblem on your product. Till date, the Ministry has registered over 700 businesses and approximately 6,000 products were registered under the Brand.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With the emblem onto your product, it represents your hard work and effort in achieving economic empowerment. And I am sure we can all agree – that there’s a different sense of joy when you see local products overseas or even on TV. With commitment, partnership and a lot of national pride, we have the ability to produce world-class products and enhance the Fijian Made brand and what it represents.
I want you to make use of this great opportunity and register your business under the Fijian Made-Buy Fijian Brand. I am told that we have received 18 applications this week, which is very encouraging.
Once you get your Fiji Made licence, please do keep in mind that you are the custodians of the brand and it is also your responsibility to maintain the image and the reputation of the brand intact and renowned for quality.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With these words, I hope training has set the foundation in improving your business in the days to come. I would like to say this again: you are all talented. And our role here is to help you to help yourselves.
We hope to roll out more similar training in the West and Northern divisions, focusing on crafters.
Please continue to engage with us and keep networking amongst yourself.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
