The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar today officially opened the AL-HAMD Smart Living Store in Nadi. The company is one of the leading suppliers of office and school furniture, and LED lights.
While delivering her address, Hon. Akbar said "Local businesses are the backbone of the economy and the heart of our communities and will be critical to our recovery from the COVID-19 recession. As our economy begins to safely reopen, I encourage all Fijians to support our local businesses which in turn will help create employment and encourage more investment in Fiji. As we work to get through this pandemic, all Fijians have a role to play, and the Fijian government continues to support all local business owners and entrepreneurs across Fiji".
She also commended the Al-Hamd Smart Living chain of stores and acknowledged their contributions to the local communities.. Additionally, she praised the company for not laying off anyone during the pandemic, but rather for adding staff and venturing into online sales.
" The business Ashfaq started nine years ago has now grown to include six outlets in the Al-Hamd Smart Living chain, with branches in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The company has applied innovative methods to operate during times of need, and the company's visionary management has found opportunities in its challenges with ease. " To reach this success, it sure takes a lot of effort, dedication, innovation and hard work; but what really makes any business praise worthy is when they ensure to give back to the people and that takes a heart filled with love, compassion and intent of progressing together within the company to do that".
Minister Akbar added that the Fijian Government believes in businesses because businesses encourage the creation of jobs, wealth, embody independence and are the roots of a free society.
Director Manager of Al-Hamd Smart Living, Mr Ashfaq Khan acknowledged the support of his family and team, that motivated him to invest and open a showroom in Nadi and the government for supporting local businesses.