Taveuni man who once wished to own his own laptop is the owner of Fiji Traders which has eight electronic shops

Azel Raj of Naqara, Taveuni who once wished to own his own laptop but could not afford it is the owner of Fiji Traders and has eight electronic shops now.

During the launch of his eighth branch at Post Fiji Building in Thomson Street, Suva today, Raj says he lived in an area where he did not have access to advanced technology and used generators and hurricane lamps.

He says he studied Information Technology at the university and migrated to New Zealand where he gained international experience by working for a few years and decided to open his own shop in Fiji.

He says he was excited to move to a developed country and it was a dream come true but he experienced culture shock in New Zealand.

He says he opened his first branch in Samabula with a few accessories only and later expanded his business to Nabua, Taveuni, Valelevu, Rakiraki, Savusavu and Lautoka.

The 31-year-old says his family was not financially stable back then so he applied for a Multi-Ethnic Scholarship and got through and without the scholarship he would not have been able to become what he is today.

Meanwhile Raj also says customers can now buy electronics from their company through Vodafone’s VitiKart online platform or make their way to the outlets.

He says they have partnered with VitiKart since most customers now opt for online shopping due to COVID-19.

He adds there are job opportunities available for 10 salespersons and four IT technicians to be based at their eight branches in Samabula, Nabua, Taveuni, Valelevu, Rakiraki, Savusavu and Lautoka. Those who wish to apply can visit their website.

The company provides a wide range of laptops, mobile phones, CCTV cameras, games and other electronic products.

While officiating at the launch, Vodafone Fiji's Head of eCommerce and Corporate Affairs, Shailendra Prasad says VitiKart provides the same level of service to all Fijians despite the distance.

He says Fiji Traders coming onboard at this time is also entitled to two year free monthly subscription under the Vitikart Subsidy Scheme.

Prasad further added the new initiative is open to any micro, small and medium enterprises.