Think Local And Buy Local: Koya
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya, has encouraged everyone to think local and buy local.
He made the comment during the World Food Day celebration held at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel on Friday.
Mr Koya said food security and having access to nutritional food is critical for a healthy and productive nation.
“These are very important now, with wide ranging disruptions in supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Koya said.
“During this global pandemic, we need to bring the focus back to the essentials.
“We need to get Fijians thinking local and buying local.
“This will not only create economic activity, but also provide a supply of fresh, healthy and nutritious Fijian grown produce.”
Mr Koya said imagine enjoying a meal with loved ones at the restaurants and in their homes. But far too often they forget there are millions of people around the world who are deprived of this very basic human need.
“We are reminded that the essence of much more than that,” he said.
“Our very own national brand ‘Fijian MadeBuy Fijian’ initiative is vitally important in this food is regard.
“We need to support it and become ambassadors of this brand.
The Fijian made brand he said provides opportunities, especially for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to get brand recognition locally and on a global stage for home-grown products.
He said the licensed businesses were able to promote and sell their products in the domestic, regional and international markets.
“This will create greater revenue, local jobs, and add to the socio-economic development of Fiji.”
These businesses he said have a wide variety of products under each emblem, simply signifying our ability to produce products of a remarkable quality.
“There is great potential for more Fijian businesses to join the campaign, and I strongly encourage you to do so, if you haven’t already.”
Eminent champion
Mr Koya also congratulated President MajorGeneral (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, for being recognised as an Eminent Champion for the United Nation Food Systems Summit 2021, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“You are flying the Fijian flag on food and livelihood security at a national and international level,” he said.
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