In a game-changing move for Fiji’s e-commerce sector, Vodafone Fiji’s local online marketplace VitiKart has entered into a partnership with DHL Fiji to provide international shipping options for local sellers. This collaboration aims to open up global markets for Fiji’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), allowing sellers to reach customers far beyond Fiji’s borders.
DHL Fiji’s country manager, Sarvesh Devan, noted that they have been working on this partnership for over a year, underscoring the essential role of logistics in facilitating cross-border trading. “With DHL’s global reach, we are excited to provide this service to VitiKart and other MSMEs throughout Fiji,” Devan stated. This marks a significant milestone for VitiKart, enhancing its mission to empower Fijian entrepreneurs.
The launch of international shipping is expected to attract even more MSMEs to the VitiKart platform, which currently supports 116 active local sellers. Vodafone Fiji’s head of Brands, Marketing, and Digital, Saleshni Chand, emphasized the potential for businesses to expand their audience on a global scale. “We see a lot of potential for these businesses to grow and reach wider audiences,” she said.
Previously, VitiKart primarily operated with delivery partners focused on domestic shipping, but with the official venture into international logistics through DHL, local sellers can now present their products to an international audience. Customers can track their shipments in real-time, ensuring reliability and transparency—a crucial factor for boosting buyer confidence.
While shipments from Fiji to Australia typically take three to five days, longer transit times apply for destinations further afield. DHL’s robust tracking system helps ensure that customers are informed about their orders from pick-up through delivery. This newfound capability addresses common concerns about the reliability of e-commerce shipments and aims to enhance overall customer satisfaction.
This partnership is a significant step forward for the Fijian economy, reflecting a growing commitment to support local businesses in the digital age. Initiatives such as VitiKart’s introduction of international shipping not only empower local entrepreneurs but foster a more dynamic and interconnected global marketplace. As Vodafone Fiji and DHL continue to push for this integration, hopes are high that a multitude of opportunities will arise for local businesses, thereby contributing to a thriving digital economy in Fiji.
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