South Pacific Business Development General Manager and Director, Elrico Munoz,
Cyber Food Managing Director, Majid Shahzad,
Members of the Media,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be here today to witness the significant collaboration between Cyber Food and South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This is not only a momentous occasion for Cyber Food and SPBD but also is a milestone for the development of our local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
It is no secret that there is a digital divide between our MSMEs which is causing a hindrance for MSMEs and its business growth – our Ministry has been working very closely with stakeholders in closing this divide. The MOU that is being executed today addresses closing the divide by connecting homemade and micro entrepreneurs with customers that are fond or interested in homemade and locally produced food and products.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Government envisions a digitally advanced Fiji. We don’t just want to see the country move forward but also our people progress with time and new innovation. The initiatives or collaborations that we are witnessing today are those small steps taken to achieve this vision.
The Cyberfood App will provide a platform for MSMEs within the SPDB network in the food industry to market and sell their products from the comfort of their homes to a wide range of customers. Initially, it will be piloted in Suva before this is expanded to other parts of the country.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Most of the micro businesses belong to women entrepreneurs and we have noted this through the number of applications we receive for the Trade Enhancement Programme. Therefore, the partnership today can be said to directly impact our Women Business and that is where SPBD is definitely a critical partner in this initiative.
Not only that, the Ministry, through our business trainers, actively engages with SPBD to ensure that micro businesses are well – trained and business ready. Whilst, micro businesses have the entrepreneurial spirit, they must be well – versed and have the know – how in ensuring a sustainable business.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is pleasing to note that both parties will promote economic empowerment and entrepreneurship among SPBD members by educating and nurturing them in joining the Cyber Food online platform. Evidentially, symbolising the strong initiative to bridge the digital divide and have our entrepreneur’s easy access to adapt to online platforms.
Our Ministry is also available to assist you in any way possible either through capacity development for MSMEs or Business Advice. Please feel free to engage us.
With these few words I wish Cyber Food and SPBD the very best in this collaboration – and hope you achieve great success.
Vinaka Vakalevu.