FIJI’S business community was recognised last night at the Prime Minister’s International Business Awards at the Sheraton Fiji Resort Denarau Convention Centre in Nadi.
Twelve businesses and individuals took home silverware for their improved economic performance over the past year.
Chief guest Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said the honourees of these awards had represented the range of diverse businesses that the country was becoming known for around the world.
“While our tourism providers are certainly always well-represented, it’s also refreshing to see so many new and upstart businesses and industries starting to pop up with increasing frequency with each passing year,” he said.
“Previous winners range from household names like Fiji Airways, to exporters of exciting, high-growth products and small startups that are harnessing technology to shake up existing industries.
“But no matter the size of the company, every dollar invested by you is an investment in the future of Fiji. And your vote of confidence in our country’s political and economic stability has been contagious for the international community, as we’ve seen steady rises in foreign direct investment from markets like Australia, China, New Zealand, and PNG, and we’re seeing Fijian-made exports on the rise.”
He added that while larger economies entered trade wars and turmoil, Fijian businesses should not be demoralised by the slowing down of the global economy.
“Even as growth softens around the region and world, Fiji has proven its resilience in the past, and we will prove it again. “So instead, find the opportunity.
“This is actually precisely the time to take advantage of new incentives that we’ve put in place to insulate Fiji from that global trend, as it won’t last forever.”
