Development through sustainable initiatives

The Ministry of Forestry is committed to the national development of Fiji, as stated in its 13-year Strategic Plan, which aims to improve the socio-economic impact of the forest and its people.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu highlighted this commitment during his speech at the Ministry’s cottage industry event in Nasinu on Wednesday. According to Mr Ravu, the promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the forestry sector requires capitalizing on emerging opportunities, delivering services that are inclusive and impactful on the lives of all Fijians, and effective engagement and collaboration with partners.

Mr Ravu also highlighted the Ministry’s Strategic Goal, which has led to the support of managing sustainable forest-based economic activity, increased participation of small forest enterprises, and the empowerment of local communities to create employment opportunities.

The event also witnessed;

• The handover of value adding machines worth $30,000.00 by Minister Ravu to the cottage industries;

• The presentation of wood processing certificates to the Gaunavou Cottage Industry, 19 participants (including four women), from Sote, Savu and Naimasimasi villages of Vugalei district in Tailevu after completing a three-sixmonth training programme with the Ministry;

• The presentation of Gaunavou Cooperative Business Registration by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport’s Director & Registrar of Co-operatives and Programme Director MSME Fiji, Faizal Khan to Gaunavou Cooperative Limited’s chairman Josua Seduadua;

• The signing of a public-private partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vision Investments Ltd. was undertaken by the Vision Investments Ltd head of business development, Anil Senewiratne and Gaunavou Cooperative Limited chairman, r Josua Seduadua;

• Groundbreaking ceremony for the Model Rehabilitation House

Mr Ravu said the celebration was among key milestones for the Ministry on the back of the Coalition Government’s 100-day achievements.

Photo: DEPTFO News The handover of value adding machines worth $30,000.00 by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu to the cottage industries. It was received by Gaunavou Cooperative Limited chairman, Josua Seduadua on April 26, 2023.