E-commerce will empower entrepreneurs to diversify the economy and foster MSME development- Kamikamica

E-commerce will empower youths and women entrepreneurs and through integrating E-commerce capabilities in agriculture, tourism, crafts and manufacturing to diversify the economy, foster development for Micro Small Medium Enterprises development, and enhance export competitiveness.

This has been highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for SMEs Manoa Kamikamica while officiating at the Validation Workshop of the National E-Commerce Strategy at the Grand Pacific Hotel this morning.

Kamikamica says the National E-Commerce strategy offers Fiji the opportunity to expand market reach beyond geographical boundaries, and provides a platform for entrepreneurs to start and scale up their businesses.

He further says the Business Process Outsourcing sector in Fiji has also showcased remarkable growth, becoming a beacon of what is achievable when they harness digital platforms effectively.

The Deputy Minister says the Ministry’s regard for putting in place a broader National Digital Strategy for moving Fiji rapidly toward a digital economy will provide a framework for initiatives like E-commerce to progress as this broader vision is critical for any strategy to succeed.

The Minister says access to viable internet payment gateways has emerged as a primary barrier to E-commerce for MSMEs, directly impacting their ability to engage in the digital economy and reach customers beyond our shores.

Kamikamica adds ultimately, this will aim to harness the collective wisdom and resources of all stakeholders including government, private sector, civil society, and international partners in creating an enabling environment for E-commerce to flourish and to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s digital transformation efforts.