THE name Punja in Fiji is renowned for an extraordinarily successful business family and their associated company, Punja & Sons Limited.
The business, established in 1935 by the late Punja Kara in Cuvu, Sigatoka, has expanded into one of the Pacific’s largest privately owned consumer goods companies.
Punjas is a well-known name across Fiji and the Pacific, recognised for a broad range of food, beverages, and household goods.
The parent company, Hari Punja & Sons Pte Ltd, is a 100 per cent Fijian-owned company and the parent of other major Fijian businesses like Flour Mills of Fiji (FMF) and Bluegas.
Hari Punja (born 1936), the son of the founder, is a well-known business tycoon and philanthropist who chairs the group of companies.
He has received national honours, including the Order of Fiji and the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Earlier this month, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) Annual Awards in recognition of his decades of leadership and contribution to Fiji’s financial and corporate landscape.
“Mr Hari Punja’s vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on Fiji’s corporate sector. His legacy continues to inspire excellence across our business community,” said Esrom Immanuel, Fiji’s Finance Minister.
Immanuel has praised SPX for reinstating its Annual Awards, describing the event as “a vital platform and a cornerstone of our economic calendar.”
He highlighted the importance of strong governance and high-quality reporting in strengthening investor confidence.
“High-quality annual reporting is a powerful signal that Fiji is open for business and a reliable destination for investment.”
Reaffirmed the Government’s support for SPX’s ambition to position Fiji as a regional financial hub, he said, “The Government fully supports SPX’s broader vision for the Pacific.”
He congratulated all nominees and winners, adding, “Your commitment to transparency and governance excellence is helping build a stronger, more dynamic Fijian economy.”