More help from India
The Indian Government has injected another $1.7million into the Fijian Government’s Micro and Small Business Grant (MSBG) initiative,.
The funding will contribute to efforts in creating a stronger Fijian economy.
This was confirmed by Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya when he awarded the grants to 1235 aspiring business micro-entrepreneurs in the province of Ra.
“The MSBG programme continues to receive support from the Government of India, they have again contributed an additional $1.7million towards the programme,” Mr Koya said.
Mr Koya said this was one of the Government’s contributions to raise the living standards of all Fijians, through targeted programmes such as the MSBG initiative.
“It therefore, gives me immense pleasure to be part of today’s event where 1235 micro-entrepreneurs here in the province of Ra will be given the opportunity to do so.”
“This is to ensure that all Fijians have the right to economic participation, a right which was enshrined in our constitution,” the minister said.
AFFECTED BUSINESSES ASSISTED
Apart from the 1235 MSBG recipients, an addition of 242 entrepreneurs were also assisted by the Government in rehabilitating their businesses that were damaged during natural disasters. “In this regard, monitoring and evaluation of projects supported by MSBG is vital.
He added: “Through this exercise we will single out those who are ready to progress to the next level. The ministry has identified businesses that are doing exceptionally well.
“The first round of assessment was carried out early in the year and it revealed a success rate of 80 per cent.
“We intend to raise the benchmark and we have dedicated resources to achieve this.
Mr Koya said through that project, Fijian examples could also become learning experiences for other countries in the region Fijians would also be able to draw on ideas on how to elevate our MSMEs to become part of the global market and supply chain.
Edited by Percy Kean