Small to Medium Businesses Are For Future Generations: FDB Director

The growth of Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) is for our future generations.

The comment was made by Fiji Development Bank board director Inia Naiyaga during the 2017 FDB’s National SME Awards last night at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

“FDB provides financing for the development of the Fijian economy which positively contributes to the enhancement of the quality of life of all Fijians now and in the future,” he said.

He said the awards were restructured to progressively contribute to the global initiative such as the sustainable development goals and the climate change framework in Fiji.

Officiating at the event was the President, Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote.

“The small and medium entrepreneurs or SMEs of this country are the engines of our economy,” President Konrote said.

“The income you generate from your businesses and the jobs you create contribute to the economic development of our nation.

“FDB’s National Small and Medium Enterprise Awards is to promote and encourage SME development through the recognition of successful and innovative entrepreneurs.

“I believe the awards also serve to remind us of the crucial role that SMEs play in developing our economy.

“You certainly contribute to rural development, poverty alleviation, empowerment of our youths and women, and the diversification of our agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors.”

List of Awards:

Developing SME’s category:

Agriculture Award  (Sponsored by Vinod Patel) – Hari Deo

Agriculture Award  (Sponsored by Sun Insurance) – Priority Fresh Supplies

Manufacturing Award – (Sponsored by Kookai) – Fijiana Cacao

Tourism Award – (Sponsored by Fiji Sun) – Vanua Clay

Wholesale/ Retail Award – (Sponsored by Quality Printing) – 8Mountains Collection

Professional Service Award – (Sponsored by Fijian Holdings Limited) – Kidsfirst (Fiji) Pte Ltd

Value-adding SME’s category:

Green Conscious SME Award  (Sponsored by New India Assurance) – Devesh and Bharos Farms

Best Risk Managed SME Award  (Sponsored by Sun Insurance ) – Chand’s Towing Service

Responsive SME’s category:

Climate Change Responsive SME Award  (Sponsored by Mechanical Services Ltd) – Devesh and Bharos Farms

Special Awards

The Youth Rookie of the Year Award  (Sponsored by Ministry of Industry Trade and Tourism) – Chand’s Towing Service

Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award  (Sponsored by Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation) – Kidsfirst (Fiji) Pte Ltd

Most Resilient SME Post-TC Winston Award  (Sponsored by Reserve Bank of Fiji) – Devesh and Bharos Farms

2017 National SME of the Year (Sponsored by Fiji Development Bank) – Devesh and Bharos Farms

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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