Vanua Levu is on the brink of a new era – Prof. Prasad

Vanua Levu is on the brink of a new era, marked by unprecedented development, with services and facilities available for the people to access, the imperative for innovation has never been greater.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad highlighted this while opening the inaugural Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit in Labasa.

The summit was organised by the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which brought together stakeholders who engaged in dialogue, and collaborative efforts towards fostering sustainable economic growth opportunities in Labasa Town.

While discussing on investment and influx of businesses opening up in Labasa, Professor Prasad says these development have built excitement amongst the people in the Northern Division, and will provide a range of world-class products and services, create jobs and provide an exhilarating experience for everyone.

He says the Coalition Government wants the private sector to take a lead role in driving economic growth, while they will provide the platform and conducive environment for private sector investment and innovation to take place.

Professor Prasad says they will continue its work towards investing in its people, community and economy that will create an enabling environment that encourages risk-taking, rewards creativity and removes barriers to entry.

The Deputy Prime Minister further says as government, they value the knowledge, experience and wisdom that always recides outside of government as people that force innovation by entrepreneurship are instrumental and critical.

He adds the summit is aimed at identifying areas of improvement, focus on national and divisional issues and working together with Government to shape policies and regulations that positively impact and improve business operations in the north.

Professor Prasad adds the theme for the summit was “Creating an Enabling Environment for Sustainable Economic Development” that resonated impeccably with the vision of the government.