Minister for Commerce, Faiyaz Koya has confirmed the Ministry has funded about 26 projects worth about $1.3 million all over Fiji that has created about 500 jobs since starting the Integrated Human Resources Development Programme in 2016.
Koya highlighted this while responding to a question by the Assistant Minister for Disaster Management and Rural and Maritime Development, Vijay Nath on how the programme will contribute to the rural livelihoods in this financial year.
The Minister says the programme provides both financial and technical support to Fijians who want to do business.
He says the programme is designed to empower peri-urban, rural and remote communities and address unemployment holistically and through strategic partnerships between public, private and civil society sectors in efforts to reduce poverty.
Koya says the expression of interest is currently open and the Ministry has received about 76 applications at an estimated value of about $4.2 million.
He says these applications are currently undergoing an assessment process.
Koya adds they are encouraging aspiring young Fijian entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth and persons with special needs in the peri-urban and the rural areas to apply.
