Government Partnership Helps Boost Private Sector Growth

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
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