The Prime Minister's International Business Awards (PMIBA) 2024, a highly anticipated event celebrating extraordinary businesses and their contributions to the economy, was officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica yesterday.

The PMIBA, organized by Investment Fiji, has long been a foundation of recognizing and rewarding the exceptional achievements of Fiji’s business community.

This year’s awards are set to shine a spotlight on "Business Innovation and Sustainability" acknowledging businesses that excel in these crucial areas.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Honorable Manoa Kamikamica emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Government and the private sector in fostering a thriving business environment.

"The ongoing support and collaboration that the Awards have from both the Government and the private sector is a testament to the strong unity of Fiji’s business community. Businesses in Fiji have shown remarkable resilience and innovation, adapting to an ever-changing global landscape while prioritizing sustainability. Through the PMIBA, we aim to celebrate these successes and encourage further growth," said Hon. Manoa Kamikamica.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for business growth, including the introduction of new policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business.

The awards will recognize achievements across various sectors, with four new categories introduced this year: Excellence in Employer Award, Excellence in Fisheries Award, Excellence in Forestry Award, and Excellence in Yasana (Provincial) Aspiration Award.

Other award includes the main Supreme Award, General Awards including Premier Small, Medium, and Large Businesses Operating Internationally, Special Awards including Agribusiness Innovation, Best Sustainability Initiative, Excellence in E-Commerce Transformation, Excellence in Innovation Award, Excellence in Outsourcing Award and Excellence in Service Award.

Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty stated the role of the Prime Minister’s International Business Awards in highlighting the spirit of innovation and excellence driving Fiji's economy.

"As the organizers of the PMIBA for over three decades, we are proud to continue this tradition of celebrating business excellence. This year's theme of 'Business Innovation and Sustainability' reflects our commitment to recognizing businesses that are not only achieving success but are also leading the way in sustainable practices," Chetty said.

Chetty also highlighted the introduction of four new award categories designed to broaden the scope of recognition.

"These new categories will allow us to honor outstanding achievements in new areas, further celebrating the diverse contributions of our business community. We are excited to see the innovative and sustainable practices that will be showcased through these awards. The awards process will be marked by transparency and integrity, with independent judges evaluating each application to ensure fairness and excellence.”

The event is fully sponsored by a range of partners, including Natural Water of Viti Pte Ltd (Fiji Water), DHL Express (Fiji) Pte Ltd, Westpac Fiji, BSP Financial Group Ltd, Pacific Horticultural & Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus, Tropik Wood Industries, Tower Insurance, Fiji National Provident Fund Board, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Grow Plus, Telecom Fiji Limited, HFC Bank, Vodafone Fiji and Swire Shipping.

"We are grateful to our sponsors and partners for their continued support. Their generosity enables us to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our local businesses and foster a culture of excellence," Chetty added.

Applications for the Prime Minister’s International Business Awards 2024 are now open, and businesses are encouraged to apply and share their success stories.

The awards ceremony will be held later this year, where Fiji’s most innovative and sustainable businesses will be honored.

For more information about the PMIBA 2024 and application processes, please visit www.iba.org.fj or contact Investment Fiji on 3315988.

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