2 days Ago By Timoci Vula
SUPPORTING small medium enterprises (SMEs) is a national imperative more than ever.The SME sector signals where the market is going and it provides insights that no statistic can capture, and reflects the demand and the aspirations of the people.Fiji Development Bank (FDB) board chairman Damend Gounder made this comment at the launch of the FDB 2024 National SME Awards in Suva yesterday.
He said the National SME Awards highlighted the impact that businesses, both emerging and established, had on the local economy.“They encourage others to build stronger, and they contribute to the development of our nation,” Mr Gounder said.He also noted sustainable transformation, which he said demanded the creation of incentivised systems that allowed for continuous innovation by applying technology and financial solutions that promoted inclusive economic participation.
“In other words, we must consistently wield our tools to engage and elevate marginalised businesses and ecosystems, which serve as the real barometer of national progress and the most overlooked source of talent we have.”Mr Gounder said the development bank remained steadfast in its mission.“Our role is to ensure that businesses are not only started but also sustained.
“They do not only operate but also expand.“That they do not only survive but also succeed.”Mr Gounder advised SMEs whose journey was still unfolding that their efforts defined the country’s economic landscape, and that their success strengthened everyone.
Yesterday, DPM and Minister for Trade and MSMEs Manoa Kamikamica gave the assurance that the Government was a strong supporter of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).The 2024 National SME Awards is an annual event hosted by the FDB.It recognises the hard work and creative minds of the small and medium enterprises in the country.
“Today’s National SME Awards, we are demonstrating our collective efforts to promote excellence, increase visibility, build confidence, and create networking opportunities, while celebrating the achievements and contribution of all SMEs,” Mr Kamikamica said.Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated April 5, 2025.The post Supporting SMEs a national imperative appeared first on The Fiji Times.
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