Innovation, creativity, and passion are some things to expect at Fiji’s first-ever conference for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in March this year.
The theme of the conference is ‘Innovation Waves, Sailing MSMEs to Success’.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, who officiated its launch yesterday, said: “In an ever-changing economic climate, it is critical that we continue to create inclusive and resilient policies to allow MSMEs to grow and withstand economic fluctuations”.
Kamikamica says there are about 30,000 registered MSMEs in Fiji.
“In Fiji, we are fortunate to have a growing group of great innovators that are passionate about evolving our business landscape. People like George Fong of TicketMax, Kenneth and Shaunalee Katafono of TraSeable Solutions, and Semi Tukana of Sole Fintech,” said Kamikamica.
“There are many other innovators out there, and this conference will provide a platform to bring different segments of the MSME ecosystem together,” added Kamikamica.
The Deputy Prime Minister commended the conference organiser, Business Assistance Fiji (BAF), for providing such an opportunity for local MSMEs.
BAF General Manager, Ramesh Chand, says the two-day conference will involve panels and plenary sessions by local and international speakers, that are designed to equip participants with valuable information and knowledge.
Chand says the event will cover discussions on economic drivers, financial barriers, young entrepreneurs, talent acquisition strategies, addressing gender-based obstacles for women entrepreneurs, and empowering indigenous communities and people with disabilities.
“The conference is expected to draw participants from throughout Fiji, including maritime areas,” said Chand.
Vodafone Fiji and seven other companies have come on-board as event sponsors.
“We have been supporting the MSME market through our VitiKart platform for a long time,” says Rajnesh Prasad, Vodafone Fiji’s Regional Chief Marketing Officer.
“The Vodafone VitiKart platform offers significant opportunities for MSMEs to broaden their audience reach. E-commerce is transforming the way businesses are conducted,” said Prasad.
BAF General Manager, Ramesh Chand says BAF is looking at hosting around 200 conference participants at the Grand Pacific Hotel on the 7th and 8th of March, 2024.
Fiji MSMEs can now register for the event at https://shorturl.at/dsFN4
