President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere announced that there are 5,500 registered women participating in micro, small, and medium enterprises during his address at the 14th South Pacific Business Development Foundation Day and the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024 held at the Vodafone Arena. He noted that this figure complements the 18,742 self-employed women and 4,650 women engaged in handicrafts.
Elena Tinai from Saru Centre, Lautoka was honored with the SPBD Businesswoman of the Year award for her outstanding contributions.
The President emphasized the importance of women-led enterprises, which often prioritize sustainable livelihoods while tackling social challenges and supporting future generations. He highlighted that this sector constitutes approximately 82 percent of registered businesses and plays a crucial role in Fiji’s economic framework.
Ratu Wiliame pointed out that with over 30,000 registered micro, small, and medium enterprises, this sector is viewed as the backbone of the economy, promoting growth, innovation, and diversification, especially in rural communities.