The 2018 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards will be held on the November 24 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa.

Investment Fiji chief executive officer, Godo Muller-Teut, says the date for the main event has been finalised with preparations for this year’s premier event now underway.

This year’s Awards will feature 12 categories recognising businesses from all sectors of the economy.

Many businesses have shown interest to be part of this prestigious awards.

The most sought after categories at the moment are the best small business operating internationally, young entrepreneurship and excellence in innovation awards.

However, there is a gradual increase of interest with the other categories.

“The Awards provide an opportunity for Fijian businesses to benchmark performance, build capability, inspire to innovate, demonstrate service excellence, support job creation, boost employee morale and showcase business achievement to clients and investors,” Mr Muller-Teut said.

An application drive for the Northern and Western Divisions took place to raise awareness on the awards and to encourage local businesses to enter the awards.

Mr Mueller- Teut says this was part of an on-going process where Investment Fiji was reaching out to the local investors and exporters and assisting them in their investment and export ventures.

“Investment Fiji has taken a pro-active approach to assist local investors and exporters,” he said.

“This is an important exercise for Investment Fiji where we have one on one meetings and site visits with exporters and investors.

“This way, we are able to understand and assist their business better.

“Investors and exporters play a significant role in helping Fiji grow by providing employment opportunities, bringing in innovation in their products and services and earning valuable foreign exchange for the nation.”

The Awards will also feature a judging process prior to the Awards which has been re-engineered in 2017 with the design and implementation of an online application and judging platform.

A new website has also been commissioned for the International Business awards: http://www.iba.org.fj.

Potential applicants can apply online at www.iba.org.fj  and the Investment Fiji team are ready to assist anyone through their application process.

A dedicated Facebook page, as well as a Twitter account has also been established.

Investment Fiji see social media as the ideal platform to showcase the winners of the awards whilst providing everyone with regular updates.

The awards which is purely sponsorship based is an initiative of the Fijian Government to recognise businesses that have shown exemplary business leadership and innovative growth profile.

Mr Muller-Teut said the awards gives recognition to businesses to venture and form partnerships with key markets and encourages Fijian businesses to apply.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj