Fiji is strengthening its collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to enhance trade opportunities, empower local entrepreneurs, and support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In a bilateral meeting along the margin of the EU-Pacific Business Forum in Nadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working with international partners to unlock new trade potential.
He welcomed ITC’s support in providing technical training to Fijian officials and entrepreneurs, particularly in the MSME sector.
“By equipping our people with the right tools and skills, we can better position Fijian products in international markets,” said DPM Kamikamica.
The meeting focused on strengthening Fiji’s competitive position in high-value commodities such as kava, coconuts, vanilla, and tuna. Discussions also explored new areas of collaboration, including improving packaging and branding, expanding market access, particularly for women entrepreneurs, and enhancing export readiness.
ITC representatives shared insights from successful programmes in the Caribbean and Papua New Guinea, showcasing the organisation’s global experience in capacity building.
DPM Kamikamica expressed strong interest in tailoring similar approaches to Fiji’s local context, with a focus on post-harvest processing, renewable drying technologies, and product certification.
The Ministry will work with ITC to establish a SheTrades Chapter in Fiji.
SheTrades, an initiative by the International Trade Centre (ITC), empowers women entrepreneurs by
connecting them to buyers, investors, training, and financing to expand their role in international trade.
It operates through an online platform, regional hubs, and global events like SheTrades Global that link women with potential partners and markets.