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Invest Fiji has launched the 2024 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards and applications are now open for Fijian businesses wishing to participate.
Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications, officiated at the launch on Wednesday, stressing that the private sector plays a leading role in laying the foundations for innovation, transformation and adaptation to economic change, while the government provides a conducive environment for businesses to grow.
“We understand the importance of creating an enabling environment for investors, ensuring transparency, efficiency and regulatory support to simplify processes and reduce risks,” said Mr Kamikamika.
He outlined a number of initiatives currently being undertaken by Government to create such an environment, such as the establishment of the Investment Promotion Board, the Fiji National Digital Strategy, the Fiji Integrated Licensing and Permit Approval System and the businessNOW information portal for entrepreneurs and investors.
He said this year’s awards will “recognize and reward businesses that have demonstrated success through performance, with a particular focus on innovation and sustainability as they reinvent their strategies for the future.”
He encouraged SMEs and young entrepreneurs with aspirations to apply for the award.
Invest Fiji chief executive officer Kamal Chetty said past winners had set a very high standard of excellence and their innovation, determination and commitment to the country’s progress had inspired many others.
“Last year, we received 219 applications and recognised businesses across a range of categories. This year, we have introduced four new award categories in addition to the traditional ones to further recognise and celebrate excellence across a range of industries.”
The new categories include: ASA (provincial) Excellence in Ambition Award (to be confirmed), Excellence in Employer Award, Excellence in Fisheries Award and Excellence in Forestry Award.
Traditional categories include: Grand Prize, General Prize (Excellent SME with International Operations) and Special Prizes (Agricultural Business Innovation Award, Best Sustainability Initiative Award, Excellence in E-Commerce Transformation Award
Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Outsourcing and Excellence in Service).
The award began in 1992 as the Prime Minister’s Exporter Award and is one of Fiji’s longest-running business awards.
Mr Chetty said this year’s event would be fully sponsored by Fiji Water and the top prize would be sponsored by the company.
This year’s theme is: “Business Innovation and Sustainability”.
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