More women to be encouraged in the MSME sector for development - Kamikamica

We will continue to encourage more women in the Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises for more development and enhancement in the country.

This was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for External Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs, and Communications Manoa Kamikamica during the pre-national economic summit and budget dialogue at the Holiday Inn in Suva.

Kamikamica says they are looking at including people from the disability sectors as well.

He says the MSME sector in Fiji has a lot of growth potential and they will look at ways to best develop some incubation centers across the country for guidance and support needed by the entrepreneurs.

The Deputy Prime Minister says Fiji’s MSME employs about 60 percent of Fiji’s total workforce and its contributions to the country's Gross Domestic Product which grew from 15 percent in 2019 to 18 percent now.

He also assured MSMEs that the Fiji Government considers their recommendations and will find avenues of assisting them in areas that need attention to elevate their businesses further as they play a vital role in the country's economy.

The event comprised of MSME groups, entrepreneurs, creative artists, and relevant stakeholders to be part of a series of awareness approaches in urging the government for inclusion in MSME policy decisions and to boost the entrepreneurial and business eco-system in Fiji.

Also, present at the discussions were representatives from the Employment Relations Advisory Board, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, the Chair of Investment Fiji, the Chair of the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, and representatives of seven development partners working in the MSME space.

The event was supported by the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, International Labour Organization, Pacific Community, Global Green Growth Institute, Business Assistance Fiji, Investment Fiji, and the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, SME, and Communications.