Investment Fiji has inaugurated the Prime Minister’s International Business Awards 2024, opening applications for Fijian businesses interested in participating.
During the launch on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in fostering innovation, adapting to economic changes, and working alongside the government to create a supportive business environment.
“We recognize the importance of establishing a conducive environment for investors, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and regulatory support that streamlines processes and mitigates risks,” Kamikamica stated.
He detailed various government initiatives aimed at creating this 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.
This year’s awards, he noted, will “honor and reward businesses with proven success and emphasize innovation and sustainability in shaping their future strategies.”
Kamikamica urged small and medium businesses and visionary young entrepreneurs to apply for the awards.
Investment Fiji’s Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty remarked that previous winners had set high standards of excellence, inspiring many with their stories of innovation, determination, and commitment to national advancement.
“Last year, we received 219 applications and honored businesses across diverse categories. This year, we are introducing four new award categories, in addition to our traditional ones, to further recognize and celebrate excellence in various sectors.”
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 encompass: Supreme Award, General Awards (Premier Small, Medium, and Large Businesses Operating Internationally), and Special Awards (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).
Initiated in 1992 as the Prime Minister’s Exporters Awards, this event is among the longest-running business awards in Fiji.
This year’s event will be fully sponsored, with Fiji Water sponsoring the Supreme Award, according to Chetty.
The theme for this year is: “Business Innovation and Sustainability.”