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SPBD FIJI STANDS TALL AT MSME CONFERENCE

SPBD Fiji was well-represented at the inaugural
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
conference in Suva on 7-8 March this year.
The two-day event had the theme “Innovation Waves,
Sailing MSMEs to Success”.

Six SPBD Fiji members attended and were given the
honour of garlanding the key speakers.
There were 210 participants in all.

Speakers reiterated the importance of MSMEs to the
Fiji economy. There are 30,000 registered MSMEs
in the country, and they account for 18% of GDP and
36% of jobs in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for
MSMEs, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, pledged
government’s commitment to supporting the sector.
The conference heard of the need for more support
for MSMEs - from advisory services to better
understanding from regulatory authorities on the
realities of business operations.
Businesses spoke to the barriers to growth, such as
accessing finance to biosecurity requirements and
the skills shortage.
But they also offered solutions, including developing
digital market information platforms, strengthening
business advisory services, and improving access to
international markets.
Other recommendations included the need for more
financing options, and integration of entrepreneurial
skills in the school curriculum.

Our SPBD Fiji Team at the MSME conference.
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