The South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) was prominently featured at the BAF MSME Conference 2025, which commenced in Denarau on Thursday. The SPBD delegation encompassed 24 members from its Suva and Nausori branches, including several centre chiefs, alongside 12 staff members such as branch and team managers.
Loraine Seeto, an SPBD board director and a key figure in the conference’s organizing committee, participated as a panelist discussing the Circular Economy and served as a moderator for a session focused on Access to Finance—an issue that resonates deeply with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “Access to finance for MSMEs lies at the very heart of economic resilience and inclusive growth,” Ms. Seeto remarked, underscoring the essential role of MSMEs, which account for over 90% of businesses in Fiji, in providing employment, income, and innovation to both urban and rural communities. However, she pointed out that access to finance is a persistent challenge for these businesses due to factors like the lack of traditional collateral and complex lending processes.
The conference’s first day emphasized current legislative reforms such as the Access to Business Funding Act 2025 and the Personal Properties Securities Act 2017, which are designed to enhance financial access for MSMEs. Ms. Seeto explained that the Access to Business Funding Act aims to bridge financial gaps, advocating for a systematic approach to support these essential businesses. The existing Personal Property Securities Act allows MSMEs to leverage movable assets as collateral for loans, though many remain unaware of how to utilize these regulations effectively.
Panel discussions included insights from various experts, including Caroline Waqabaca from the Reserve Bank of Fiji and representatives from the Asian Development Bank and Merchant Finance. Their collective expertise contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the MSME sector in Fiji.
This emphasis on improving access to finance aligns with broader government strategies aimed at fostering an inclusive economy. As earlier articles have noted, there is an increasing focus on systematic transformations and supportive frameworks for the MSME ecosystem, an essential component of Fiji’s economic landscape. Initiatives are in place to address financial literacy and infrastructure challenges to ensure that the vibrant potential of Fiji’s entrepreneurial spirit is fully realized.
In addition to the informative sessions on access to finance, the conference serves as a beacon of hope for local entrepreneurs. The collaborative effort brings together stakeholders committed to driving tangible support for MSMEs, ultimately contributing to a resilient and inclusive economic future for Fiji.
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