Fiji’s efforts to boost its economy through digital commerce got a significant lift with the recent launch of the National E-commerce Strategy in Suva by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica. This initiative represents a pivotal step in ensuring that Fijian-made products and digital services can access global markets with greater speed and efficiency.
Kamikamica emphasized that the strategy is about much more than online shopping and digital payments. “It’s about economic empowerment, resilience, and unlocking new opportunities for every Fijian,” he stated. The strategy aims to provide support not just for urban tech entrepreneurs, but also for farmers in the highlands and artisans in remote outer islands, enabling all sectors of society to thrive in a more digitized economy.
Highlighting the immediacy of digital commerce in today’s fast-changing world, Kamikamica noted that the National E-commerce Strategy is part of a larger National Digital Strategy, which is currently being developed. This comprehensive framework will ensure Fiji has the necessary infrastructure, policies, and skills to maximize the benefits of the digital economy.
Permanent Secretary for Trade, Shaheen Ali, expressed that the launch is a culmination of extensive collaborative efforts initiated in 2019, aimed at enhancing Fiji’s position in the global trading system. Following the launch, discussions will shift towards implementing the key aspects of the strategy in partnership with the National E-commerce Committee, focusing on tracking Fiji’s progress against key performance indicators.
Fiji’s proactive approach reflects a broader trend seen in recent years, where governments around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of digital pathways for economic growth. With a commitment to developing the necessary infrastructures and fostering effective partnerships across sectors, Fiji is on a promising path towards establishing itself as a digital trade hub in the region.
The potential for economic empowerment through this strategy is an inspiring testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Fijians. Ongoing investments in digital literacy and infrastructure improvements present an optimistic outlook for all citizens as Fiji embraces the digital future.
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