Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica officiated at the opening of the BAT Fiji’s fourth Grow+ Remote Greenhouse Event with Bia-i-Cake Women’s Cooperative in Naigigi, Savusavu today.
DPM Kamikamica highlighted that the event represents the economic and social empowerment of the Bia-i-Cake Women’s Cooperative.
“This partnership enhances food security, biodiversity conservation, and income generation while embodying the spirit of solesolevaki—a foundational value of communal cooperation and shared prosperity that has defined Fijian communities for generations.”
“This greenhouse represents an investment of over $42,000, equipped with automated irrigation systems, a water tank, and a pressure pump. It has the capacity to produce 5,000 vegetable seedlings monthly, or 50,000 annually, supporting local agricultural productivity and economic resilience.”
DPM Kamikamica added that by empowering women through agriculture, we are unlocking new opportunities for economic diversification and fostering a culture of innovation.
“The Bia-i-Cake Women’s Cooperative, with its forward-thinking vision, is positioned to contribute to Fiji’s growing tourism market. By supplying fresh produce to hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, the Co-operative can build a consistent revenue stream and strengthen the local economy.”
“Their plans to expand into commercial farming, prawn aquaculture, and coconut-based value-added products for local and export markets reflect their ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.”
DPM Kamikamica highlighted the crucial role cooperatives play in Fiji’s economic development by fostering collective action and shared ownership.
“Cooperatives like Bia-i-Cake empower individuals, particularly women, to actively participate in economic activities, reducing inequality and enhancing community resilience. The government recognises the importance of cooperatives as a vehicle for inclusive economic growth and is committed to supporting such initiatives.”
He also underlined the government’s commitment to its Look North Policy, prioritising investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and business development in the Northern Division.
“Economic progress, much like building a house, requires detailed planning and consistent effort. Under the Government’s Look North Policy, we are prioritising investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and business development in the Northern Division.”
“By creating an enabling environment, we aim to attract investments and unlock the potential of rural and remote communities. The Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, and MSME development has been instrumental in driving economic progress by simplifying business processes, enhancing access to finance, and promoting resilience among entrepreneurs.”
Meanwhile in 2024, the Government introduced new initiatives to support MSMEs and cooperatives, providing tailored training, access to grants, and linking entrepreneurs to local and international markets. For example, the Savusavu Tourism Association and other stakeholders are working closely with cooperatives like Bia-i-Cake to create market linkages, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships.
DPM Kamikamica added the Ministry has also focused on diversifying the economy by promoting sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and value-added agriculture.
“Through strategic investments and partnerships, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability. Programs such as Grow+ are vital components of this strategy, demonstrating how targeted initiatives can generate substantial impacts on communities and industries alike.”
Esita Dayle, President of the Bia-i-Cake Women’s Cooperative, shared the group’s journey, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by the Fijian value of solesolevaki.
“We started as a group with two tilapia ponds—one dug by our youth and the other using machinery. The greenhouse was initiated with support from BAT Fiji, allowing us to grow crops like eggplants, tomatoes, and chilies. These crops spend six weeks in the nursery before they are ready for sale,” she said.
She encouraged women to work hard, highlighting the cooperative’s achievements as a testament to the power of determination and collaboration.
Coinciding with this event, the group launched the cooperative’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024–2029) and the unveiling of their new logo, symbolising resilience, creativity, and unity. This Strategic Plan aligns with national priorities and sets a clear pathway for sustainable development, ensuring that the cooperative’s activities contribute to broader economic goals.