We own 90 percent of land but iTaukei economic participation is insignificant, empowering our indigenous communities will strengthen participation in business and contribute to national growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica highlighted this to the people in Nabitu Village in Tokatoka, Tailevu, as they came together to celebrate Fiji Day.
Kamikamica also called for women to lead through enterprise and cooperation.
While speaking at the celebration and fundraising event led by the Nabitu Women’s Association, Kamikamica encouraged the women of Vanua Naceruku to form cooperative businesses as a pathway to empowerment and income generation.
He says they are seeing an increase in Cooperative business registrations from our rural areas, a sign of progress and growing confidence.
The Deputy Prime Minister says this should inspire the women of Naceruku to explore business as a means of empowerment and economic participation.
He commended the growing number of cooperative ventures across Fiji, crediting greater awareness and Government support programmes that help people in rural areas access new opportunities.
Kamikamica says as a government, they have opened up these programmes to help our people progress.
He says there are initiatives designed to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, encouraging the people to please make use of these opportunities.
Kamikamica also spoke on the importance of empowering iTaukei communities to take a stronger role in the nation’s economic development.
Reflecting on Fiji’s 55 years of independence, the Deputy Prime Minister says we have faced difficulties, but we have endured and moved forward, and today we continue to build on that legacy.
He also highlighted the growing investor confidence in Fiji’s economy, citing interest from international companies in developing agricultural projects in the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister says with drainage works improving across wetlands, especially in Tailevu South, landowners now have greater opportunity to partner with investors and unlock the potential of their land.
He says the recent announcement by a Sri Lankan conglomerate to establish plantations in Fiji is a reflection of that confidence.
Kamikamica reaffirmed that the coalition government remains committed to serving the people and delivering on their expectations.
He added that they are here to serve the people, the results of the 2022 General Election were a signal of the change people wanted, and they are working every day to make that change real.
