The Fijian Government will continue to support entrepreneurs planning to start their own businesses, including financial support for new graduates, says Jone Usamate.

The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations also said Government would also provide startup allowances as well.

Mr Usamate, at the opening of the 11th Hall Student Accommodation at the University of the South Pacific campus in Suva yesterday, reiterated Government’s support.

“Government has committed in the new financial year a one off start up allowance to degree graduates with an income of less than $30,000 and who have registered with the National Employment Centre to be able to prepare for job interviews and buy appropriate equipment,” he said.

This is due to the fact that assistance to micro small and medium enterprises will see an increase under the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme.

“Not only does the Fijian Government want the graduates to be employed with quality education but also to create employment.

“We want our graduates to get employed because they have the right skills and competency sets that employers are looking for. We would like to see more of our graduates become entrepreneurs,” he said.

The Hall will be able to accommodate 192 students with its top-notch modern interior design.

University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor and president, Rajesh Chandra said: “The demand for more student accommodation has always been high, given the increasing number of our regional and international student population as well as Fiji students from outside the Suva area needing on-campus accommodation.”

Since 2014, the University had recorded an average of 5% increase in student members.

According to the University’s Strategic Plan (2013-2018), a target of 3000 beds was expected to be reached by 2018.

With the new Hall, there are a total of 1344 beds including Alafua and Emalus Campus.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  monica.aguilar@fijisun.com.fj