Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Co-operatives play a pivotal role in Fiji’s Economy – these two very important business segments are overseen by the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications (MTCSMEC).

Every year, on 27 June the World celebrates MSME Day commemorating the importance and contributions of MSMEs worldwide. The main objective of celebrating this auspicious day is to raise public awareness on the contributions of MSMEs to economic growth and sustainable development.
The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, expressed that “Fiji has come very far in terms of MSME development – we are recognising the hardships and the persevering determination of our local MSMEs in pursuing commercial independence”

Hon. DPM further added “The Ministry continues to invest in our MSMEs with many capital projects initiated, the Fiji Government has invested more than $102 million as grant and loans for MSMEs and further through the Ministry provides business advisory and trainings to aspiring and establishment MSMEs”

The International Co-operative Day on the other hand is celebrated annually worldwide on 1 July with this year’s theme being “Partners for Accelerated Sustainable Development”. As natural vehicles of collaborative partnership and prosperity for all, co-operatives contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability across regions and economic sectors. It is inherent among them to safeguard community relations, enhance local resources, advocate social responsibility and adopt sustainable and long-term business practices.

The Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Mr. Shaheen Ali, stated that “a number of commercial groups have found new opportunities in formalising their business structures as co-operatives, which has assisted them in accessing grant funding, loans, development leases, ability to enter into contacts and other benefits”
In recognition of both the MSME and the Co-operatives Days, the Ministry will be hosting a combined Market Day for MSMEs and Co-operatives to commemorate these two auspicious global events.
The Market Day is scheduled at the Old MH building in Ba on the 1 July 2023 with invited stakeholders and selected co-operatives and MSMEs being given the opportunity to showcase and market their products.

The economic viability of the Western Division to host such an event is paramount to savoring ties of growing entrepreneurs in Fiji.

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