Members of the Media,
Bula Vinaka and Good Afternoon to you all.
I am pleased to officially announce the launching and opening of the Trade Enhancement Programme.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Last month, we announced the special revised budget that builds on the momentum we have created since our border re-opening. It uses our recovery to meet new and extraordinary challenges faced by Fijians.
Now with economic recovery well underway – an important role the Government will play is continuing our support to economic activities. Activities that keep the wheels of our economy going.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Trade Enhancement Programme was announced in the Revised 2021/2022 Budget is part of our commitment to supporting a very special segment of the business community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This programme is dedicated to provide support to those with a special trade.
That is – those new or existing micro enterprises that have an annual turnover of less than $50,000 — who are skills based or operating in the trade field.
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, was allocated $500,000 for the implementation of this programme. Under this, applicants qualify for a maximum of $500 assistance to help them grow their business.
The Fijian Government has always kept the interest of ordinary Fijians and businesses at heart and will continue to do so. We believe that assistance must be targeted to the situation and the needs of the people of Fiji.
We have always maintained that no Fijian should be left – whether during the better days of continuous positive economic growth or when we are working through recovery post-pandemic.
We are all in this together. And your ability to provide for your family and contribute to the community is a contribution to the Fijian GDP.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have so many skilled and young Fijians who have harnessed their talent to earn an income and livelihood. Through the Trade Enhancement Programme, we want to elevate their status and provide the much needed targeted support.
For many, $500 may seem less. But ask the person who needs to start up a small carpentry business. He or she needs to buy tools and protective gear to carry out his or her trade. This $500 will get him or her the basics to at least begin earning an income.
It really doesn’t matter how big or small the support is. It matters to a person who needs it and that their Government thought about them.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Since the first COVID-budget was announced in 2020, our principles have been the same:
(i) We need to bring back jobs.
(ii) We need to provide a safety net to those unemployed or on reduced hours/salary.
(iii) We need to limit the economic fallout from doing permanent, structural damage.
To achieve this, we had to get Fiji building again, working again, doing something new and bringing the Fijian economy back across a broad front.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The smart policies and initiatives have saved Fiji from a catastrophe. We are back on a path of strong recovery. But there are still people who need help and we will continue to provide that.
Objectives
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to elaborate on the Trade Enhancement Programme and its objectives.
The programme is intended:
● to create employment opportunities for those who have lost their jobs;
● encourage movement from informal to formal sector;
● build capacity on financial literacy and prudent business management;
● inspire entrepreneurship amongst youth, women, persons with special abilities and other vulnerable groups; and
● enhance services from the skill based or ‘’blue collar’’
Therefore, to ensure proper governance and checks and balances are in place, applicants must have a registered business, show their commercial viability, outline their capability in operating the business, demonstrate their ability to create employment and support their respective sectors.Implementation
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m also pleased to announce that we are going digital for this Programme. That means – application forms will only be accepted online through our portal. This can be found at www.msme.mcttt.gov.fj/grant, I repeat that www.msme.mcttt.gov.fj/grant
Why are we going digital? – because we have absolute confidence in our micro entrepreneurs who have become and are very tech savvy.
A number of Government programmes have been implemented digitally as well which was successful.
Additionally, by having a technological platform, all businesses have an equal footing. That means, businesses in rural areas don’t have to wait for hard copies of application forms to submit a whole range of documents.
They don’t have to travel far, for long hours to lodge their application. More importantly, it will not cost them a dollar.
This also brings in more efficiency and transparency in terms of processing.
The closing date for applications is on 3 May 2022.
Key Reminders
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to also please remind the applicants of the following:
1. Ensure that you submit a complete set of documents which are:
a. Business Registration Certificate;
b. TIN Letter/Joint ID;
c. Valid Photo Identification;
d. 12 Month Cash Flow Statement;
e. Quotations; and
f. Copies of relevant trade certification.
2. Only applications that have a full set of documents will be assessed. Assessments will be done on a ‘First come – first serve basis’.
3. Each application will be assessed on its merit and quality. It doesn’t mean that you have submitted all the documents that your application will be approved;
4. Applications will be received and processed online through the portal;
5. The programme will continue until funds are fully utilised;
6. Please ensure the vendor you source quotations from are compliant with all statutory requirements such as Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. I would also encourage the vendors to provide quotations valid for at least thirty (30) days to assist the micro businesses in applying for this assistance.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I wish to also inform the members of the public that should they have any enquiries, they can contact our MSME Helpline on 163 or viber on 998 6014. This will be made available from tomorrow.
With these few words, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to officially launch the Trade Enhancement Programme and wish our entrepreneurs all the best!
Vinaka.