Investment Fiji has announced the opening of applications for the 2024 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, inviting Fijian businesses to participate.
At the launch event on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in fostering innovation and adapting to economic changes. He emphasized that the government is committed to creating an environment conducive to business growth by ensuring transparency, efficiency, and regulatory support.
“We recognize the significance of providing a supportive environment for investors, focusing on transparency, efficiency, and regulatory measures that streamline processes and reduce risks,” Kamikamica stated.
He mentioned several government initiatives aimed at fostering such an environment, including the establishment of an Investment Facilitation Committee, the Fiji National Digital Strategy, the Fiji Integrated Licenses and Permits Approval System, and the businessNOW information portal for entrepreneurs and investors.
Kamikamica noted that this year’s awards would honor businesses demonstrating success and emphasized a special focus on innovation and sustainability in their strategies for the future. He encouraged small and medium businesses, as well as young visionary entrepreneurs, to apply.
Investment Fiji’s CEO Kamal Chetty praised past winners for setting high standards of excellence and inspiring others through their stories of innovation, determination, and national progress.
“Last year, we received 219 applications and celebrated businesses across various categories. This year, we are introducing four new award categories in addition to our traditional ones to further recognize and celebrate excellence in diverse sectors,” Chetty said.
The new categories include Excellence in Yasana (provincial) Aspiration Award (to be confirmed), Excellence in Employer Award, Excellence in Fisheries Award, and Excellence in Forestry Award.
Traditional categories include the Supreme Award, General Awards (for Premier Small, Medium, and Large Businesses Operating Internationally), and Special Awards such as the Agribusiness Innovation Award, Best Sustainability Initiative Award, Excellence in E-Commerce Transformation Award, Excellence in Innovation Award, Excellence in Outsourcing Award, and Excellence in Service Award.
The Awards, which began in 1992 as the Prime Minister’s Exporters Awards, are among the longest-running business awards in Fiji. This year’s Supreme Award will be sponsored by Fiji Water, and the event will center around the theme “Business Innovation and Sustainability.”