Co-op piques interest
THE Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications has noted what it calls “a massive increase” in the demand for awareness and registration of the co-operative business model. The ministry revealed this in a statement after a two-week co-operative visitation to Ovalau and Moturiki islands between March 11 and 22.
Assistant Manager Eastern Vasemaca Delai said the ministry has received overwhelming demand mainly in rural and maritime areas.
“This is very encouraging as Fijians have started to shift from a subsistencebased economy and into the formal business economy whilst also still incorporating the i-Taukei concept of solesolevaki in their business operations” Ms Delai said.
Demand from the rural communities, she said, was mainly to support the establishment of community-based businesses that contribute to income generation and employment creation.
Manager training Beniame Bulilevuka said training was a key contributor towards the sustainability of co-operatives “so, it has been positive to see co-operatives seeking out trainings and constantly looking for ways to improve not only their business operations but also co-operative governance”.
Permanent secretary for Trade and Cooperatives Shaheen Ali said the ministry was committed to promoting the co-operative business model especially in rural and maritime communities.
“The co-operative model, having stood the test of time, is known for its resilience and ability to withstand economic crisis, whilst also contributing to the economic and social empowerment within their respective communities,” Mr Ali said.
“Therefore, the ministry is devoted to spreading the co-operative movement to even the most remote locations”.
The ministry’s training team covered nine villages on Ovalau and three on Moturiki where they conducted 12 awareness sessions, facilitated training for four registered co-operatives and conducted monitoring for eight registered co-operatives. brighter future, not only for these women-owned businesses, but also for their families and our nation as a whole,” Mr Minam said.
“It’s highly rewarding to see that the groundbreaking work FDB has put in, is now being duly noted by the right types of foreign interests and that the bank is viewed as a premier platform to deliver impactful results.
“This type of project is a validation and vote of confidence in FDB’s exemplary efforts as a ‘women in business’ champion.”