Efforts are currently being made to revitalize the cooperative movement in Fiji, focusing on the framework of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel highlighted that despite the cooperative sector contributing 10 percent to Fiji’s economy, there is significant potential for growth.
During discussions at the Pacific Regional Dialogue on Cooperatives as Drivers of the Blue-Green Economy in the Pacific, Immanuel recognized the benefits of learning from countries like India and Indonesia, which boast robust cooperative structures. He stated, “Probably you are aware that this government is trying to rejuvenate cooperatives. When the new government came in, the cooperative sector—the cooperative movement—was probably in dire need of assistance. So now we are trying to rebuild the cooperative movement to model it after the MSMEs.”
Immanuel noted that while the MSME sector has seen marked advancements due to persistent support, a similar level of development is anticipated for cooperatives. This initiative promises not only to strengthen the cooperative movement but also to enhance the overall economic landscape in Fiji, fostering greater resilience and sustainability. The emphasis on learning from successful international models serves as an optimistic step towards achieving these goals, potentially transforming the cooperative sector into a vital player in Fiji’s economic future.
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