DPM KAMIKAMICA’S SPEECH THE MSME GRANT AGREEMENT HANDOVER
01/02/2024
The Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications – Mr Shaheen Ali,
Distinguished Panel Members of the 3 MSME grant programme,
Newly awarded grant Recipients,
Invited Guests,
Members of the Media
Bula Vinaka and a Good Morning to you all
Reflecting on the past year, we find ourselves at the intersection of challenges and opportunities to grow our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji. In the midst of extraordinary change, our response has been nothing short of remarkable.
In this financial year, the Ministry has been entrusted with $2.6 million in grant funding, eliciting an overwhelming response of $4.7 million from 1,450 applicants. This tremendous interest underscores the resilience and ingenuity of our entrepreneurial community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our commitment to the MSMEs has resulted in a significant investment of over $100 million, yielding a documented success across three pivotal programmes. These ventures have not only boosted our economic landscape but have also generated a commendable number of employment opportunities.
However, we will not rest and we must continue to improve. From the policy front, we are working on integrating the MSME networks and MSME ecosystem, removing pain points to ease doing business, improving the regulatory landscape, improving access to information, reducing the financing gap and strengthening business development services.
Therefore, we aim to develop a national MSME Stragtegic Plan that will have focused on these areas.
We recognise the strength of our MSME sector that is the engine room for our economic diversification and economic growth and we are committed to improving the MSME landscape.
Today, we are pleased to allocate close to $280,000 in grants to a group of entrepreneurs, amplifying the Government's support for the transition of innovative concepts into viable businesses.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to provide a brief overview of the distinguished recipients with us today.
Beginning with the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme Programme, our first recipient is Mr. Rasalato Yanuyanurua, the visionary owner of Aswhy Enterprise is set to revolutionize guitar part and billet manufacturing in Fiji using a unique technique. With government support, he aims to increase his production and directly supply high-end markets instead of relying on US re-sellers.
Our second YES grant recipient, Mr. Vinooda Seniwrantne, has presented an innovative proposal. Today, we are delighted to present the agreement for a specialized training facility dedicated to enhancing strength and movement through targeted exercise.
The third YES grant recipient is Mr. Munesh Prasad, the proprietor of Cocosip. This venture will supply premium packet coconuts, contributing not only to business but also promoting rural development, enhancing market linkages, and adding value to local agriculture.
In the context of our recovering economy, these ventures embody the kind of innovative ideas we need. They not only enhance our local offerings but also provide unique experiences for tourists visiting Suva.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With the aim to build Fiji’s export receipts, in this financial year, the National Export Strategy Programme has two exceptional recipients that are in the Agribusiness and Manufacturing sectors.
We first have Mr. Navendra Naidu that is operating in Maururu Ba, is on the brink of exporting eggs to Tonga. With government assistance, he will acquire an egg grading machine and proper bulk storage facilities.
The second recipient is Qito Sportswear, owned by Mr. Asaeli Lemaki. His journey from uncertainty to successfully running a business and exporting to three Pacific Island countries is a testament to the power of setting goals. With government support, Mr. Lemaki will acquire another printing machine to meet rising demand.
To our aspiring entrepreneurs, the message is simple: persist in honing your craft, and success will follow.
Lastly, but not least, under the Trade Enhancement Programme, we five remarkable women entrepreneurs are recipients. This initiative supports businesses in the Micro category that need capital injection to grow their businesses.
In fact, I'm pleased to say that these brave ladies went through the entire TEP process digitally, meaning applying and uploading their documents on the application portal. Since inception in 2022, the TEP portal has received 4,170 applications online out of which 71% were women applicants. They continue to debunk the myth that our MSMEs are digitally left behind or digitally incapable.
Today, we are pleased to congratulate:
- Elizabeth Sawaki Rossetta
- Saurara Cola Senili Golesobu
- Jasoda
- Kalesi Baleula
- Akanisi Adimaiwa
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I encourage MSMEs to tap into opportunities that may come your way. The recipients that are present today exemplify exactly this.
In conclusion, I extend sincere appreciation to the panel members for their invaluable guidance, ensuring the success of the grant recipients.
With great anticipation, we inaugurate this event, wishing our recipients the utmost success in their promising ventures.
Vinaka!