MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TRADE, TOURISM AND TRANSPORT FAIYAZ KOYA’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF MANOS MOTORS

Mr. Manoj Kamal and Sumeet Prasad,
Community Members of Nakasi,
Invited Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Bula Vinaka, and a very good afternoon to you all.
It gives me great pleasure to join you this afternoon to be part of and to celebrate Manoj and Sumeet’s accomplishment.
 
When I think about small businesses, I have a special sentiment – because it means we are supporting local communities and empowering budding business owners like Manoj and Sumeet to progress.
 
“Manos Motors” will serve not only the people of this community, but those travelling Nakasi and the Kings Highway.
 
Today, I want to congratulate the Managing Directors of this business for their work and achievements. What you have accomplished is certainly not small - but is most definitely businesslike.
 
It would be remiss of me, if I do not thank Mr. Sumeet Prasad, Ms. Aradhna Kamal, and Mr. Arav Prasad – who have been a good support system for the Managing Directors of Manos Motors.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
The Fijian Government believes in small businesses because we believe in your ability to create jobs, revenue and promote entrepreneurial independence.
 
Manos Motors is one of the companies accredited and appointed by Land Transport Authority to carry out vehicle inspection. Such establishments not only encourage economic activity, but supports the Land Transport Authority’s role in steering Fiji safely towards adequate, effective, efficient and safe land transportation throughout Fiji.
 
I am told, this new business will provide vehicle inspection – and will operate on weekday’s and on Saturday’s.
 
It will create employment for 100 Fijians once diversified into an export market in Rakiraki taking Sumeet’s interest and passion for farming to the next level in the near future.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Being a young gentleman from Barotu in Rakiraki, Sumeet is also the proud owner of two farms in Cuvu, Sigatoka and Cama, Rakiraki which specialises in cultivating pomegranate, ginger, turmeric and dalo – certainly indicating that a gentleman with a Diploma in Accounting and Automotive Engineering can explore other business opportunities outside the discipline of his formal education. I share these stories because these are the people behind the success.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Today isn’t about long speeches nor reminding everyone of the achievements of the Fijian Government – which you all are aware of. It is about creating a new culture of entrepreneurship and empowering job creators like Manoj and Sumeet. This is why the Fijian Government gives so much attention to the promotion of small businesses as such.
 
I would like to warmly congratulate Manoj and Sumeet for this significant investment worth $500k, which I am sure the community of Nakasi will enjoy.
 
Hopefully in the near future, you’ll be celebrating another milestone by taking your business further.
 
Vinaka Vakalevu.