Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Dr. Reddy;
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Vuniwaqa;
Permanent Secretaries;
United Nations Food Agriculture Organisation;
Turaga Ni Koro;
Invited Guests,
Ni Sa Bula Vinaka
Today marks a historic occasion. Historic because, the commissioning of the Nabulini Processing Centre proves that partnerships, if done in the true Fijian Spirit of togetherness, can be successful.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Despite what we’re going through with the COVID-19 pandemic, your Government remains focused on achieving the goals in our National Development Plan.
We remain committed to ensure that the Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) survive in the current environment, receive the right level of support and guidance, and thrive.
In any developing nation, MSMEs, like the Wainuqa Co-operative, play a critical role in shaping the economy. To do this, and get where we want to, we need to diversify and broaden our economic base. This means, we need to look at new areas of businesses, new markets and continue to add value.
The pandemic has made us rethink, refocus and reset everything we do. We are now working smarter, working more efficiently and becoming more innovatively.
What has happened during this pandemic is, a lot of us are moving back to our land. We are blessed to have an abundant supply of resources including our traditional crops. We should not only focus on selling raw materials – we need to graduate to value adding. The more we add value, the better position our products in the domestic, regional and international market.
Additionally, by moving up the supply chain – you’re able to beat the middle-man. You make more money from your produce, resulting in greater economic impact in your families and community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We, at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (Ministry), took special interest in this project for many reasons.
One of the most important reasons is the support for women entrepreneurs. When Wainuqa Co-operative was registered in 2019, there were 39 members – 26 men and 13 women. I’m told today, membership has grown to 57, with 13 more women joining the Co-operative. What’s even better is, 2 of the 9 Board members are women.
Not only that, Wainuqa Cooperative, through this processing facility, has created 13 new jobs and employing majority women.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Department of Co-operative Business under the Ministry helped with the formation of this group into Wainuqa Co-operative. And of course, the Fijian Made branding of the products.
Our MSME Training Center, (formerly known as NCSMED) was engaged to conduct agrobusiness trainings, management, marketing, recording keeping and accessing finance. I’m also told a refresher training was also held recently.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To understand your needs better, we believe in being part of the community. By staying with the community, we were able to deliver trainings that were tailor-made for you – the people of Nabulini.
I would like to assure you all that our work will not end here. We will continue to work with you, offer additional trainings and link you to local and, eventually, overseas markets.
It is also encouraging to note that Wainuqa Co-operative has established their online presence by creating a Facebook page. This is again, another step in the right direction, moving away from the traditional buying and selling.
I’m told there is already overseas interest for your products. This is an indication of the enormous potential you have. And as we continue to work together, continue to work hard, we will get your chips there.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Made brand is well renowned in the international market. By holding the Fijian Made logo, you join over 100 other Fijian Made companies.
More importantly, people know that when they buy a Fijian Made Product, they are buying quality, they are supporting local jobs, they are putting money in the pockets of ordinary Fijians. So, welcome to the Fijian Made family.
Just over a few weeks, Post Fiji Limited and Vodafone Fiji Limited launched their ‘e-shops’. We encourage you to use these online platforms as another opportunity to sell your products.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There are a lot of us here, including the Ministers, who truly believe in you. Whilst your Government has faith in you and will continue to support your venture in every way we can, it’s important you remember your responsibility. You should ensure that the standards of the Fijian Made brand is maintained. You have to ensure there is continuity of supply of quality products – and all of us here can and want to help you with this but we need your commitment.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I also take this opportunity to thank other organisations who’ve supported this project. We thank Star Printery Limited for printing 18,000 stickers for Wainuqa Co-operative, at no cost.
Before I take my seat, I challenge you to expand your operations and product line. Don’t limit yourself – take advantage of the current incentives like the duty-free concessions on imported machinery for agricultural purposes. Take advantage of the partnerships you’ve forged today.
We hope that UNFAO and other donor agencies are encouraged by today’s commissioning and consider funding similar projects in other communities.
Collaboration and partnership between Government, development partners and private sector not only brings us together, but it brings new ideas – new ways of doing business. The Wainuqa Co-operative project is a shining example of what we can achieve for our grassroot communities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With these few words, I once again congratulate the Nabulini community and thank everyone that has made this project a success.
Maleka vakalevu Tailevu, warai na leqa
