Co-operatives in Fiji are proving to be a vital economic force, with reported assets totaling $151 million, generating annual revenues of $26 million and profits of $2.5 million. The significance of this sector was underscored by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the launch of the International Year of Co-operatives 2025 in Vunimono, Nausori, which aims to harness the strengths of collective efforts to advance socio-economic development.
Prime Minister Rabuka praised the potential of co-operatives as safety nets that can stabilize communities during economic and natural challenges. Fiji has over 715 registered co-operatives spread across 15 sectors, bringing together approximately 40,000 members. This extensive network underscores their critical role in achieving the nation’s long-term socio-economic objectives.
Explaining the alignment between the cooperative movement and traditional Fijian values, PM Rabuka highlighted that these enterprises embody the principle of solesolevaki, which refers to collaborative and shared efforts toward community improvement. He emphasized this ethos in developing cooperative structures that promote inclusive growth and social equity, as per Fiji’s National Development Plan.
With the UN theme for 2025 being “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” Rabuka expressed hope that this year will catalyze collaboration among cooperatives in Fiji and the Pacific. He called for a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment, aligning with sustainable development goals.
The international cooperative landscape supports the significance of this movement, with the International Cooperative Alliance noting that over 12% of the global population is affiliated with one of the three million co-operatives worldwide. This global network not only fosters economic opportunity but also promotes vital social objectives.
The ongoing growth and diversification of Fiji’s cooperative sector present a promising future for the economy, signaling potential for sustainable development and enhanced community resilience. By fostering collaboration, co-operatives can continue to empower individuals and contribute meaningfully to the broader socio-economic landscape.
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