Businessman and former politician George Shiu Raj recently celebrated a significant achievement with the grand opening of his $2 million GSRAJ SHOPPLUS Supermarket in Rakiraki Town, officiated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. During the ceremony, Mr. Rabuka thanked Mr. Raj and his family for their investment in the Ra Province, especially at a time when the local economy is recuperating from the closure of the sugar mill, which previously displaced numerous workers.
“We congratulate Mr. Raj for bringing this vision to life, establishing a supermarket that will serve the people of Rakiraki by providing a range of essential goods and services,” said Mr. Rabuka, emphasizing the supermarket’s crucial role in revitalizing the community’s economy.
Mr. Raj’s business endeavors extend beyond just the new supermarket; he also operates two other supermarkets, a warehouse, and a service station, with plans to invest further in six additional supermarkets across various districts of Ra. He attributed his success to the support from his community and the blessings of God, highlighting a strong connection to his cultural roots.
Echoing sentiments from similar initiatives in Fiji, such as the recently opened Family Choice Supermarket and ventures led by other local entrepreneurs, the SHOPPLUS Supermarket not only aims to provide affordable prices but also offers a pathway for job creation, with more than 120 jobs expected to be supported by this investment, 40 of which are specifically for the new store. Notably, a significant number of positions will champion gender inclusivity, with approximately 80% of the roles filled by women, marking a positive shift toward gender representation in the workforce.
This opening aligns with the broader trend of local business growth and community support seen across the nation, demonstrating how entrepreneurship can spearhead economic development and resilience in the face of recent challenges. With local leaders like Mr. Raj actively investing in their communities, there’s a hopeful outlook for continued progress and improvement in living standards across Fiji.
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