The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar officiated at the opening of the new ZamZam Restaurant in Samabula, Suva.
While delivering her address, Minister Akbar said the Fijian Government recognises the importance of the private sector as the engine for economic growth and development and promoting gender equality.
“The vision for a modern and inclusive economy is embedded in the 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan (NDP). The vision of “Transforming Fiji”, maps out the way forward for Fiji to realise its full potential as a nation. The government has continued to develop and implement policies that enable the transformation.
The national budgets continue the pro-business, sustainable and consistent policies of the government of providing targeted support to Fijians and Fijian businesses”.
Minister Akbar added that the most advantages of opening businesses in the local economy is the boost in employment in Fiji.
“The employment levels influence a range of other standard-of-living, such as income, supporting their family and new small business start-ups. The small businesses make up a huge portion of the economy and the economic impact of buying locally in strengthening employment levels and creating more future jobs in the community".
Minister Akbar also stated that the government believes in businesses because businesses encourage the creation of jobs, wealth, embody independence and are the roots of a free society.
“This investments sure do send out a positive sign to other local and foreign investors that there is confidence to invest in Fiji. Even during COVID, the operations of ZamZam continued under innovative operational strategies and now in 2022, the business has expanded”.
“The commitment of domestic investors remains critical to reinvigorate the Fijian economy. I love to see the innovation and creativity of today’s entrepreneurs and how they take head on the challenges of getting into untapped business ideas.
But that does not take away the fact that traditional businesses like this will never lose its demand”, she stated.
Minister Akbar acknowledged ZamZam Restaurant’s Business for the great investment and wished them well in their business venture.
Taking a walk down memory lane, 48 year old, Ms. Rashida Khatoon, recalled that the food business she started was from selling fish and cassava in one of the Food Stalls at the Suva Market back in 2013.
“ I started a small food stall focusing on selling fish and cassava to the market vendors and also around the Suva Market Area. I usually woke up in the early hours of the morning to prepare cassava, fish and other things to sell. That was how we started, and I have not stopped since then."
In 2016, she registered her business as ZamZam Restaurant at Nina House then she moved her business to Samabula where it is currently located. I have employed nine staff and we have a good working relationship that helps me to expand my business this year. I have expanded my business this year and will create twenty more jobs for the ordinary Fijians.
“I faced so many challenges along the way, especially at the beginning and also during the COVID pandemic. I had doubts and there were times when we felt like giving up because it's not easy to manage a business and be a mother.
There were times when we were too focused on growing and expanding our businesses instead of our children. However, it is that mother’s love I have deep down in our hearts and the dream of seeing my children succeed in life, that's what kept me going”.
"That was the motivating factor for me, as a mother and as a businesswoman. If you really love them, you have to keep working hard so they can live good and successful lives.
My message to all women, nothing is impossible, we should take challenges, have faith, believe in yourself and you will achieve your goal,” Ms. Khatoon said.