DEPUTY PM & MINISTER FOR TRADE, CO-OPERATIVES, SMEs & COMMUNICATIONS HON. MANOA KAMIKAMICA'S KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE 2024 MSME CONFERENCE

Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shaheen Ali,
Board of Directors of Business Assistance Fiji,
Business Assistance Fiji General Manager, Ramesh Chand,
Event Sponsors,
Industry Captains and MSMEs,
Distinguished Speakers and Moderators,
Invited Guests,
 
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
 
Welcome to the inaugural MSME Conference – an opportunity available to each of us gathered here today, to celebrate and explore the vast potential of our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
There has been a growing recognition of the important role that the MSMEs play in driving economic growth – and we witnessed it first-hand during the COVID-19 pandemic, when our MSMEs helped spur the country’s recovery by stimulating economic activity. At that time, they provided an avenue for job creation, income generation, and innovation, making them crucial players during times of uncertainty.
 
Innovation is the essence of progress, especially for MSMEs. Which is why the theme for the conference - “Innovation Waves: Sailing MSMEs to Success” fits well to not only acknowledge our MSMEs but equally provides an opportunity for our MSMEs to voice their concerns, build connections and create opportunities.
 
As the Minister responsible for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, I stand before you to emphasise the critical role that innovation plays in the success of MSMEs. Innovation is not just about groundbreaking inventions; it's about embracing change, adapting to new technologies, and finding creative solutions to challenges.
 
Luckily, MSMEs are agile and are open to new ideas which keeps them competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
 
Creating an enabling environment that encourages innovation is key to the success of MSMEs. Empowering our young and aspiring entrepreneurs to think creatively and take calculated risks can lead to breakthrough innovations that propel their businesses and dreams forward.
 
Passion, collaboration, continuous learning, and a willingness to challenge the status quo are essential components of an innovative culture.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have seen the exceptional line-up of speakers for the event, and I am excited to know that you will be exchanging views with key players in the MSME Industry both here in Fiji and abroad.
 
Having spent many years of my career in the private sector, I understand the value of sharing knowledge and expertise – this will not only help you in navigating in the business world, but it will allow you in understanding the importance of meeting regulatory requirements and standards, mitigating risk, accessing finance opportunities but also enlighten you in harnessing a sustainable and viable supply chain.
 
Over the next two days you will not only have access to representatives from the public sector but also representatives in the private sector who can share their insights on ideas for collaboration or your overall views on the MSME industry.
 
I encourage you to take advantage of this knowledge sharing experience to upskill yourself but also share these learnings with your fellow MSMEs who are not present here with us today at the event. It is my hope you are able to apply and implement the teachings you learn here to grow not only yourselves but the industry as a whole.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our Ministry remains committed to the growth of this crucial industry. Over the past months we have made great strides on working with consultants on the development of an MSME Act, formulating an alternative option for access to funding, that is, the Access to Capital Bill. Finally, the drafting of Fiji’s first ever MSME Strategic Plan. The Ministry has been working closely with consultants on the development of these three critical documents.
 
Just recently the team from the Ministry has concluded public consultations for the Access to Capital Bill and most recently the MSME Strategic Plan. I would like to thank you for your time and valuable contributions. We have heard you and want to continue hearing from you.
 
I am happy to inform you that the Ministry personnel and our consultants for the Strategic Plan are here today and tomorrow and are eager to hear your thoughts on the development of an important document that will shape the development of your sector over the next five years.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It would be remiss of me not to mention that in the coming months Fiji Government will begin work on the 2024-2025 National Budget. We hope to hear from you whether it's during the public consultations or direct submission to the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistic. The Government you have chosen is a collaborative one and one that listens to the people.
 
Finally, I am pleased to announce that from 1 August 2024, my Ministry name will be Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, officially recognising the Micro Segment of businesses. Our micro businesses form the majority of our MSME business community therefore it was only fitting their segment is incorporated into the Ministry name.
 
I urge the Secretariat to please take note of the issues raised, suggestions made and also recommendations proposed. I must admit that some issues have already been addressed, some can be addressed in the short term whilst some may be addressed in the long term.
 
I must once again thank Business Assistance Fiji for the foresight in planning and executing an impressive conference for our MSMEs. I also thank the sponsors for supporting this event.
 
To our MSMEs, continue to be passionate about what you do and how you learn. I encourage you to question our experts here on stage, put them on the spot! In your journey to learning and making the most of this opportunity. Learn to take risks and let us commit ourselves to embracing innovation as a driving force for success in our businesses and shaping a brighter future for all.
 
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.