Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐲: 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲!!

Rising fuel costs are impacting businesses across Fiji. The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development wants to hear from you. Take 7–10 minutes to share your experience and help shape future policy.

👉 Scan the QR code in the image or click on the link: https://bit.ly/3Qq1DKC or contact [email protected] for details.

All responses are completely confidential.

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄

The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development invites stakeholders and members of the public to provide written comments on five proposed International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards for Household Electrical Appliances to be adopted as voluntary Fiji Standards.

Your feedback is important in helping ensure these standards are practical, relevant, and responsive to current industry and consumer needs.

🗓 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟒:𝟎𝟎𝐩𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟒 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

For more information, please refer to the notice below.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐍𝐔 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

A team from the Department of Cooperative Business, led by the Director and Registrar of Cooperatives, Mr Iosefo Koroidimuri, has held productive discussions with Fiji National University (FNU) aimed at advancing curriculum development for Cooperative Management training.

The meeting brought together officials from the Department of Cooperative Business and representatives from FNU, led by the Dean of the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Dr Asaeli Tamanitoakula Tuibeqa, alongside six dedicated lecturers. The engagement focused on strengthening cooperation between the two institutions and charting a clear pathway forward through partnership.

During the discussions, the importance of cooperative businesses in Fiji and across the wider Pacific region was highlighted. It was emphasised that cooperatives play a critical role in empowering communities, strengthening economic resilience, and promoting inclusive growth.

The dialogue further underscored the need for targeted training to support the cooperative model, particularly in areas such as governance, leadership, and accountability, to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will formalise collaboration, co-creation of programmes, development initiatives, and information exchange between the two institutions. The proposed agreement is expected to strengthen cooperative education and ensure that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary skills to advance the cooperative movement.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to shape the future of Cooperative Management education and development in Fiji.

𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲.

The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development today (27/05/26) officially launched a high-level Collaboration Priorities Meeting alongside Standards Australia to fast-track Fiji’s trade infrastructure and national development goals.

The meeting serves as an operational extension of an active Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to boost regional technical collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable economic growth.

A primary focus of the meeting is the creation of Fiji's first-ever National Standardisation Strategy. This initiative stands as a significant milestone for the country, establishing a highly coordinated national framework to guide standards development, adoption, implementation, and stakeholder engagement across priority sectors of the economy.

The strategy is built on the shared understanding that localised frameworks are vital for small island developing states navigating modern industrial, trade, and climate issues.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Permanent Secretary Dr. Radika Kumar, emphasised the structural role of quality controls in securing Fiji’s socioeconomic future.

"Standards, metrology and conformity assessment have become the backbone of the national quality infrastructure system ensuring trust, safety and competitiveness across all sectors, and compliance with standards is critical for market access and economic growth of Fiji” stated Dr. Kumar. "For small island developing states such as Fiji, standards are not only technical tools, but strategic enablers of economic resilience, climate adaptation, innovation and sustainable development."

“We also recognise the importance of regional cooperation in standards and quality infrastructure development,” adds the Permanent Secretary. “I am confident that today’s engagement will strengthen cooperation between Fiji and Standards Australia and help identify practical next steps to further develop Fiji’s national standards capability.”

The event formally brought together diverse local government agencies, technical subject-matter experts, and private industry stakeholders. Under the supervision of the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards, attendees spent the sessions defining practical action areas to optimise local production chains, secure consumer safety, and help local businesses smoothly align with international trading standards.

Special recognition was extended during the proceedings to Adam Stingemore and his visiting delegation from Standards Australia for providing ongoing technical guidance to support Fiji's long-term quality infrastructure development plan.

The Ministry expressed deep gratitude for the support and technical guidance being provided by Standards Australia toward this important strategy.

The Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards is the official national standards body under the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development. It is dedicated to updating and aligning domestic testing, trade, and regulatory policies with global best practices while safeguarding local community and economic priorities.

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𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐬’ 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢’𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐝

The resilience, sacrifice and determination of the Girmitiyas have left an enduring legacy that continues to shape Fiji’s social and economic development today, Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development Hon. Sachida Nand says.

Speaking during the Ratu Sukuna and Girmit Day double celebration at Toko Sanatan Primary School in Tavua (27/05/26), Hon. Nand said the occasion provided an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the struggles endured by the thousands of indentured labourers who arrived in Fiji between 1879 and 1916 under the Girmit system.

The Assistant Minister highlighted that many of those who arrived on Fiji’s shores were met with harsh living conditions, long working hours and separation from their families, yet their spirit remained unbroken.

“The Girmitiyas displayed extraordinary courage, determination and perseverance despite the immense challenges they faced,” Hon. Nand said.

“Their hard work and sacrifices helped lay the foundation of one of Fiji’s most important industries and contributed significantly to the economic growth and development of our nation during its formative years.”

“The contribution of the Girmitiyas,’ said the Assistant Minister, ‘extend far beyond economic development. Values of family, education, discipline, faith and hard work brought by the early settlers were described as having played a significant role in strengthening Fiji’s multicultural identity and social fabric.”

“They did not allow hardship to define them. Instead, families, communities, schools, places of worship, businesses and farms were established through resilience and determination,” he adds.

The descendants of the Girmitiyas continue to make important contributions across a wide range of sectors, including business, education, medicine, agriculture, public service and national leadership.

Hon. Nand said the story of Girmit was not only one of sacrifice, but also one of perseverance, achievement and nation-building.

“The values demonstrated by our forefathers remain just as relevant today. Their commitment to hard work, education, discipline and unity continues to provide lessons for all of us as we work towards a stronger and more prosperous Fiji,” he said.

The celebration was also used to reaffirm the importance of preserving social harmony and strengthening unity among Fiji’s diverse communities.

“Every community has contributed to the progress of this nation. Our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths, and it is through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation that Fiji will continue to move forward,” Hon. Nand said.

Students were encouraged to learn from the experiences and sacrifices of previous generations and to embrace the values that helped build the nation.

“Never allow differences in race, religion or culture to divide you. Instead, celebrate diversity, respect one another and work together for the good of our nation,” he said.

“As we honour the legacy of the Girmitiyas, let us recommit ourselves to building a stronger, more united and prosperous Fiji for generations to come,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Divisional Police Commander (West) Jope Ralulu spoke on the enduring legacy of Ratu Sukuna, highlighting the bonds he forged across the country.

"He created a relationship where we bond together," Mr. Ralulu said. "That cordial relationship is still firm and lifts up the nation of Fiji where we are today, and we thank Ratu Sukuna for what he did."

He also urged the students to lead a disciplined life. "That will lift you up to be a good leader of tomorrow. Your future journey will be prepared with a good heart and a good mind, allowing you to achieve what you are supposed to achieve."

𝐇𝐎𝐍. 𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐀 𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐔𝐀

A local agricultural business in the Western Division is scaling up its operations following the official handover of new farming machinery, aimed at upgrading local cultivation and securing food supplies for rural communities.

The new equipment package was presented to Rohindra Nand Tractor Works by the Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Sachida Nand, during a ceremony in Rabulu, Tavua on Friday, 15 May.

For owner and entrepreneur Rohindra Nand, the arrival of the machinery marks a major milestone. It follows years of hard work keeping his business moving forward through the pandemic while handling a growing local demand for mechanical agricultural services.

Operating as a sole trader enterprise, Rohindra Nand Tractor Works was officially registered in 2023, although agricultural operations had commenced several years earlier. Since formal registration, the business has recorded steady growth, driven largely by increasing demand for land cultivation services and the securing of commercial engagements with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).

Through support provided under the Government’s Integrated Human Resource Development Programme (IHRDP) for the 2024/2025 financial year, a package of modern agricultural equipment has been acquired, including a Preet 75WT four-wheel-drive heavy-duty 75-horsepower tractor, a spike harrow, and a three-disc plough. The project was valued at approximately $58,000, with Government contributing two-thirds of the investment while the applicant provided the remaining one-third.

The Rohindra Nand Tractor Works currently provides tractor-based land cultivation and ploughing services, sugarcane cartage, and agricultural support services under contracted arrangements. It also undertakes direct farming activities, producing sugarcane for FSC, rice for Rewa Rice Fiji, and watermelons supplied to markets in Nadi and Sigatoka.

With the introduction of the new machinery, greater efficiency is expected to be achieved in land preparation and cultivation activities. Reduced downtime, faster service delivery and increased operational capacity are anticipated to enable the business to serve a larger number of farmers during peak planting periods.

The benefits are also expected to extend beyond individual farm operations. Increased agricultural production, improved access to mechanised services and expanded farming opportunities are projected to contribute to food security, rural economic growth and employment creation within the community, including opportunities for youth and women.

The Integrated Human Resource Development Programme (IHRDP) is a Government grant initiative through which sustainable employment opportunities are promoted and poverty reduction efforts are advanced through strategic public-private partnerships. Under the programme, capital-intensive grant funding of up to $150,000 is made available to eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to support business growth, productivity enhancement and long-term economic resilience.

⏳ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐰! 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟓𝐭𝐡

The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development advises that the following MSME Fiji Grant Programmes for the 2025/2026 financial year will officially close on 5 June 2026:

• Young Entrepreneurship Scheme[YES]
• National Export Strategy[NES]
• Integrated Human Resources Development Programme [IHRDP]
• Northern Development Programme. [NDP]

Please note that no applications will be accepted after this deadline, as the MSME Grant Portal will be closed.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications, along with all required documentation, before the closing date via: www.msmeportal.gov.fj

For further information, please contact the MSME Fiji Unit on 163 or email: 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭@𝐦𝐬𝐦𝐞.𝐦𝐜𝐭𝐭𝐭.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐟𝐣