18 Jul, 2019
Turaga na Tui Tabana ni Vono, Valelevu totoko Nalagi,
Director and Shareholders of Qereqere Participatory Guarantee Scheme Company Ltd,
Provincial Administrator and District Officials,
Provincial Council Officials,
Ministry of Agriculture Officials,
Fiji Development Bank Representatives,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
Firstly, let me thank the Vanua for the traditional ceremony accorded to me. I would also like to give apologies of the Minister who could not be here today.
But it gives me great pleasure to be here today to handover the tractor to the Qereqere PGS Farmers.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In most countries, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in the development of an economy, Fiji is no exception.
Qereqere Participatory Guarantee Scheme Company Ltd is an example of a successful MSME and MSMEs form the backbone of the Fijian economy, with over 18% contribution to the GDP. It also provides employment to approximately 60% of the Fijian labour force.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
MSMEs can make significant improvement and impact to livelihoods of and upliftment of the grassroot communities. It is for this reason the Fijian Government has continued to provide strong support to this sector.
In the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, we are consolidating all MSME support under one unit. This will enable better use of resources to assist our MSMEs – leading to sharing of resources and expertise amongst agencies to deliver better services – advisory, training and mentoring, and monitoring support.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s event is an example of an integrated effort of the Ministry, the Qereqere farmers, and stakeholders, such as Ministry of Agriculture, Provincial Offices and the Fiji Development Bank. All these like-minded agencies have come together to assist the Qereqere PGS Company Limited to realise their business potential.
The Ministry through the Integrated Human Resources Development Programme (IHRDP), has funded the purchase of a new tractor. The total project is $64,400, with the Fijian Government contributing $47,900 for the tractor and the Qereqere community contributing $16,500 for implements.
This support will enable the Qereqere community to undertake tomato and seasonal fruit farming in a commercial manner with increased production. With continued technical support from Ministry of Agriculture will ensure that the produce is of high quality.
I have been informed that the Company currently supplies produce to members of the Nadroga Hotel Association. We encourage the Qereqere PGS Company to maintain a consistency and high-quality of supply. If required the Ministry can assist to find more markets.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Fijian Government will continue to provide its support in giving “wings” to your ambitions and goals. In this regard, additional support such as business advisory and mentoring services and various training will be available to ensure that you are able to consistently grow.
By supporting Qereqere Company Ltd. we are placing our trust and confidence in you. We want your business to flourish and continue growing. We want you to be elevated from a small to a medium business. We want Qereqere PGS Company Limited to be a recognised name in the Fijian business community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With those words, I wish the Qereqere farmers all the best in your future business ventures.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
Thank You
Shaheen Ali
Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism
July 18,2019