GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES FIJI’S FIRST-EVER MSME STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 AND NATIONAL MSME DATABASE

16/12/2025

Government today launched Fiji’s first-ever Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Strategic Plan 2025–2030 together with the MSME Database, marking a significant leap towards a more inclusive, data-driven and resilient MSME sector. These landmark initiatives are designed to build a stronger, smarter and more connected ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs in every corner of Fiji, from urban centres to rural and maritime communities.

The launch underscored the Government’s commitment to placing MSMEs at the centre of Fiji’s economic transformation, supported by strong partnerships and a clear focus on delivery.

TRANSFORMATIVE MILESTONE FOR MSMEs
The Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, described MSMEs as the heartbeat of Fiji’s economy and said the launch of the Strategic Plan and MSME Database would turn national vision into practical action through stronger coordination, improved data and more targeted support.

The Government also acknowledged and expressed its appreciation to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) for its support in the development of the MSME Strategic Plan.

By 2030, the MSME Strategic Plan 2025–2030 aims to increase MSME contribution to GDP to 40 per cent, narrow the MSME finance gap, and streamline access to essential services and technologies across key priority areas including data and coordination, co-operative development, regulation, entrepreneurship support, access to finance, market access, and workforce and skills development.

“By prioritising inclusivity, this Strategic Plan ensures that no entrepreneur is left behind—whether they are in remote islands, part of the informal sector, or among Fiji’s vibrant youth- and women-led enterprises. This inclusive approach is not only visionary, but essential for building a truly equitable economy,” said Ms Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

MSME DATABASE AND DIGITAL ACCESS
Effective 5 January 2026, the National MSME Database, accessible through the MSME Portal (www.msmeportal.gov.fj), will provide a single online entry point to five major grant programmes administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development.

This integrated digital platform is designed to simplify access to Government support and improve service delivery—particularly for women- and youth-led enterprises and MSMEs operating in rural and maritime areas.

“The launch of Fiji’s National MSME Database marks a major step forward in turning strategy into action,” said Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.

IMPLEMENTATION FOCUS
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, Mr Shaheen Ali, said the launch marked a shift from planning to delivery.

“We have put in place the systems needed to translate policy intent into practical support that MSMEs can actually use. The Strategic Plan provides clear direction, while the MSME Database gives us a practical tool to deliver support in a more coordinated, transparent and data-driven way,” Mr Ali said.

“Our focus now is on implementation—ensuring that grants, services and support reach MSMEs efficiently, particularly women- and youth-led enterprises and those operating in rural and maritime areas. That is where these reforms will make a real difference.”

PARTNERSHIPS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Government also acknowledged the Pacific Digital Economy Programme and the Solevaka Development Accelerator Project, jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with support from the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and the European Union.

Minister Immanuel extended his gratitude to development partners, industry leaders and MSME representatives for their dedication and valuable contributions, noting that their insights helped ensure that both the Strategic Plan and the MSME Database reflect the real needs and opportunities of Fijian entrepreneurs.

With a shared vision and unity of purpose, the Government is confident that these initiatives will play a central role in building a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient Fiji.