Minister for Forests ,Osea Naiqamu, and his team have given the thumbs up to the Vanua Levu Pallets and Saw­mill Limited during their tour there on Wednesday.

“What we have seen today clearly demonstrates the partnership be­tween Government and the private sector to create wealth, economic activities and employment in the North,” Mr Naiqamu said.

“These kinds of venture Govern­ment also gives out grants to small businesses throughout Fiji.

“We appreciate their vision and de­velopment.”

Managing director Jitendra Pratap told Mr Naiqamu his company was the major pallet supplier in Fiji.

“I started my business in the year 2000 producing pallets and then in 2014, with Government’s assistance through the Northern Development Programme, I expanded to a portable sawmill employing 20 people,” Mr Pratap said.

“We have maintained all Occupa­tional Health and Safety (OHS) re­quirements and meeting our daily targets.

“We supply to more than eight com­panies in Viti Levu and we have no­ticed an increase in demand.

“We are thankful to the govern­ment’s support and will continue to develop our business.”

Mr Naiqamu told Mr Pratap that he was happy to see growth in his busi­ness.

“They have just established from pallet to sawmilling where Govern­ment encourages small operators to create employment at the same time create wealth for them,” Mr Naiqa­mu said.

“Thanks to government’s pro­grammes ‘The Look North Policy’ and Northern Development Pro­gramme (NDP) and Fiji Development Bank (FDB) scheme which provides the opportunity to small business op­erators to grow and live their dream.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj