President of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, Mr Vinay Narsey,
Board Members of FCEF,
Chief Executive Officer of FCEF, Mr Kameli Batiweti,
Staff of FCEF,
Members of the media
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a good evening to you all.
It is a special honour to be here this evening, unveiling Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation new logo.
Having spent most of my professional career in the private sector, I speak with conviction, when I say that rebranding is a reason to celebrate, but also appreciate the contribution this 62-year-old organisation has made in Fiji.
I would like to commend FCEF for its active contributions in empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in both the formal and informal sector – your contributions by way of capacity building trainings in partnership with the Fiji Government, holds a high-place for MSMEs to seek potential market access.
Recognising our shared interests in developing MSMEs, the Ministry’s Young Entrepreneurship Scheme Programme (YES Programme), a form of grant, fittingly provides a platform for budding MSMEs to further their entrepreneurial journey.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Surely, the private sector is the engine for growth – and for an economy such as ours, the voices of these businesses must be heard, so I thank you sincerely for being a conduit for these businesses. And as a link between the public sector and the private sector, we know FCEF will remain our close partner in “creating solutions for our country”.
To the FCEF team, your contributions and commitment to Fiji grew from 21 businesses in 1960, to a strong-hold of 500 members today, and I am optimistic that the numbers are sure to increase in the near future – in synergy with your refined strategic direction which we will unveil this evening.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a member of the Tripartite Forum, FCEF has been involved extensively in a lot of work in the areas of labour laws and the development of national occupational health and safety, with its membership in the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) and National Occupational Safety Health Advisory Board (NOSHAB).
It would be remiss of me, if I do not mention FCEF’s contribution as members of statutory bodies and tertiary institutions to the development of tertiary education and skill development in Fiji – your critical advice has been represented.
As the Minister responsible for MSMEs, I am particularly proud of your foresight in the inception of the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) and Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC) which has given light to the needs of MSMEs. The WEBC has been a beacon for women entrepreneurs, with the networks of partners that have committed towards supporting its vision.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
WEBC has empowered women through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program – an excellent achievement in educating an entire generation. Thank you for conducting bridging the gap training for women in rural communities reaching 14 villages across the country, whilst also being one of the most active councils within FCEF.
The Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC) have similarly done great work in lifting the profile of MSMEs in Fiji and together with the WEBC have been extensively involved in providing support through the ILO COVID recovery programs for entrepreneurs.
FCEF is a great champion of MSMEs and played a lead role in the first private sector led business accelerator program launched in 2019, the Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE) program which has supported over 150 businesses over the last 3 years, including the nurturing and guiding the Ministry’s YES recipients such as Winston Hill and Christopher Vanualailai.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are still experiencing the effects of global inflation as the result of the Russia- Ukraine crisis where many businesses, households and individuals are still weathering the impact. The Pacific Economic Update published by the World Bank has projected a growth of 15% for the year 2022 after the three years of contraction in Fiji economy however the output expected will remain between 2019 levels until 2024.
Therefore, as private sector, as leaders, as entrepreneurs and as employers it is critical that we engage in meaningful discussions and craft solutions that will allow our nation to recover. The Coalition Government will continue to listen to you and work with you on strategies that will foster economic sustainability.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming back to today’s event – it is imperative that the FCEF Refresh lay the foundation for businesses to pursue relevant support. We welcome your collective insights as it is critical that our collaboration yields result to establish a more market-oriented, business friendly environment without bottlenecks for the benefit of ease of doing business in Fiji.
We need continued private sector and Government partnership – so let’s re-explore our priorities and solutions – to strengthen our working relationship in achieving sustainable recovery.
With these few words, it is my pleasure to officially launch the FCEF REFRESHED LOGO.
I wish the FCEF Board and Membership well and a successful 2023.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.