Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel,

Member of Parliament and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica,

The Resident Representative of the United Nations Programme, Ms Munkh-Tuya Altangerel,

Permanent Secretaries,

Government Officials,

CEOs and Industry Captains,

Development Partners,

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka and a good afternoon to you all.

Opening

With the now launched of five-year MSME Strategic Plan and a user-friendly MSME Digital Platform and Database, Fiji now has a clear and coordinated framework to support enterprise growth, strengthen productivity, and lift the contribution of MSMEs to national output and employment.

It is my privilege, on behalf of the Government of Fiji, to deliver the Vote of Thanks as we conclude the launch of these two important national initiatives.

Leadership and Direction

I begin by conveying our sincere appreciation to our Chief Guest, Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Honourable Esrom Immanuel, for his presence and for the clarity of vision articulated in his address.

Honourable Minister, your leadership sends a strong and unambiguous signal that MSMEs are central to Fiji’s economic transformation, resilience, and long-term prosperity.

I also acknowledge and place on record our appreciation to Honourable Manoa Kamikamica for his leadership and stewardship of the MSME portfolio during his tenure as Minister. The strategic direction set during that period laid important foundations for the work we advance today.

Together, this continuity of leadership reinforces a shared national vision—one in which entrepreneurs, family businesses, women-led enterprises, youth innovators, and businesses across our urban, rural, and maritime communities are enabled to succeed.

Partnership and Collective Effort

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today’s launch reflects sustained collaboration, shared ownership, and a collective commitment to reform.

We acknowledge with appreciation the support of our development partners, whose technical expertise has helped ensure that Fiji’s MSME agenda is practical, inclusive, and aligned with international best practice.

In particular, I acknowledge the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific for its technical leadership in supporting the formulation of the MSME Strategic Plan 2025–2030.

I also acknowledge the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with the support of the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union. This partnership has been instrumental in supporting the development of the MSME Database as a national policy and planning tool.

I further acknowledge WebMedia and the local technical partners who worked closely with the Ministry to design and operationalise the MSME Database. Their understanding of the local context and their technical support were important in ensuring the platform is practical, accessible, and fit for purpose.

Stakeholders, MSMEs, and Delivery

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I also wish to acknowledge the engagement of private sector partners, MSME networks, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions throughout consultations and validation processes. Your contributions ensured that both the Strategic Plan and the Database reflect real business conditions across Fiji.

At the centre of these reforms are our MSME owners and entrepreneurs, including grant recipients whose businesses are already translating policy support into livelihoods, jobs, and economic opportunity. These initiatives exist to serve you better, more transparently, and more effectively.

I also acknowledge the contribution of my team in the Ministry, in particular, the MSME Fiji team in supporting this work, particularly in development, coordination, and implementation readiness.

Why This Matters

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The MSME Strategic Plan 2025–2030 provides a clear framework for coordinated action—supporting MSMEs to start, formalise, grow, innovate, and compete, both domestically and internationally.

The MSME Database complements this by strengthening evidence-based policymaking, enabling more targeted support, improved coordination, and clearer accountability for outcomes.

Together, they move us decisively from intention to execution.

Closing

Finally, to all partners and stakeholders present today, Vinaka Vakalevu for your continued commitment.

As we move beyond today’s launch, our task is clear: to ensure that these tools deliver real outcomes—stronger enterprises, better jobs, wider participation, and sustained growth across Fiji.

Let us proceed with focus, collaboration, and delivery.

May you all have a pleasant and blessed afternoon.

Vinaka Vakalevu.