Officer in Charge of International Labor Organization, Mr Christian Viegelahn,
Australian High Commission Counsellor, Mr Andrew Shepherd,
President of Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, Mr Vinay Narsey,
Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, Mr Jonetani Tonawai,
Graduates of the 2023 Fiji Enterprise Engine Cohort,
Our friends from the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m thrilled to be here once again to celebrate and congratulate the incredible individuals who are the graduates of the 2023 Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE) cohort.
As your Chief Guest, I am deeply honored to be part of this momentous occasion. Today represents the culmination of your unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’d like to begin by sharing a quote that’s close to my heart, from the legendary B.B. King: “The great thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” These words truly embody what we’re celebrating today. For this reason, we commend each and every one of you for choosing this path.
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey requires a special kind of determination, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. By reaching this graduation milestone, you have demonstrated that you possess all these qualities.
You’ve acquired knowledge and skills that will help you achieve your dream of becoming successful entrepreneurs. Your success not only benefits yourselves but also your communities and contributes to the growth of the New Fiji.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a pivotal role in fueling Fiji’s economy and advancing our national goals of social protection and development. Your impact extends to the well-being of various segments of our society, including women, youth, children, and vulnerable individuals in our communities. We take immense pride in providing these enterprises with the platforms and markets to thrive and boost economic prosperity.
Since the pilot cohort in 2019, 65 aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from the program, including the 14 new graduates here today. The FEE has been a catalyst for the growth and development of our MSMEs. I’m delighted to share that those who graduated from the programme over the past five years have collectively increased their sales revenue by $2.1 million, thanks to the knowledge, advice, and practices they’ve gained from the FEE programme.
I’m also pleased to announce that this year marks the first cohort of FEE participants in the Western Division. While the program has traditionally been held in Suva, it’s now expanding to Nadi, providing aspiring entrepreneurs in the Western Division with the opportunity to benefit from this highly successful program. I encourage Western-based businesses to apply for this program.
To the 2023 partners of the FEE programme who share the vision of the Fiji Government, we express our gratitude. Through our collaboration with the International Labor Organization, Market Development Facility, and Reserve Bank of Fiji, we’ve been able to provide a platform and a range of opportunities to enhance the entrepreneurial knowledge of these graduates and aspiring business entrepreneurs, thereby encouraging and accelerating business success in our economy.
To our Graduates, as you step into the world as graduates, know that you’re not alone on this journey. You have the support of your fellow graduates, the guidance of your mentors, and the collective support of the Government and our Ministry.
I encourage you to explore the opportunities for grants and funding available within the Ministry and other Government Ministries.
You possess the ability to solve problems, create opportunities, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps. The road ahead may not always be smooth, but it’s in those challenges that you will find some of your greatest opportunities and strengths.
So, take flight, soar to new heights, and make your mark, not just for yourselves but for the world. Congratulations, and may your future be filled with success, innovation, and limitless achievements.
Thank you and best wishes for your future business endeavors.
Vinaka Vakalevu.