What a tremendous display of Fiji’s vocal talent and culture!

Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Climate Change & Environment, Civil Service, Information, and Public Enterprises Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka,

Deput Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Biman Prasad

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka,

Cabinet Ministers;

Na Marama Bale Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Temumu Kepa,

Reserve Bank of Fiji, Governor Ariff Ali,

Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Honorary Consuls,

Permanent Secretaries,

Commissioner Western,

Vice President of Network Infrastructure for Google and Chairman of Pacific Connect Initiative, Brian Quigley,

Investment Fiji Board of Directors, CEO of Investment Fiji;

Supreme Award Sponsor, Natural Waters of Viti Ltd,

Other Sponsors and event partners;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka and a very good evening to you all,

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the twenty-twenty-four Prime Minister’s International Business Awards.

I have the honour to deliver the welcoming address for this occasion where we celebrate excellence in innovation and sustainability.

This evening we acknowledge the hard work, perseverance, and excellence that each applicant has demonstrated, through their efforts in not only improving the livelihoods of our people but also placing Fiji on the international market place.

Whether it be a micro, small, medium or large enterprise each applicant has set a standard of excellence.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight, we will recognize and reward businesses with proven success through results that have placed a special focus on innovation and sustainability in reshaping their strategies for the future.

These Awards serve as a platform for Fiji based businesses to gauge their performance, foster growth, encourage innovation, showcase service excellence, stimulate job creation, and improve employee engagement.

The Prime Minister’s International Business Awards have always reflected the best of businesses and acknowledged the trends in the global market which shape and influence the decisions we make as leaders.

There is increasingly more recognition of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as businesses are shifting their focus on sustainable practices and innovation, climate change and other environmental challenges.

Businesses are increasingly recognizing that they have a pivotal role to play in addressing these SDGs and that doing so can also create new business opportunities and alliances.

Innovation creates new ideas, products, or services adding value to an organization, while sustainability focuses on the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs encompassing environmental, social, and governance factors.  

In addition to environmental concerns, businesses are also recognizing the importance of creating positive social impacts, such as providing fair wages and benefits to employees, supporting local communities, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Implementing sustainable innovation can be challenging for businesses as it requires a shift in thinking and a measured willingness to take risks to embrace new ideas and technologies.

Throughout the years, the award categories have evolved and this year there are 15 award categories, 4 of which are new.

These new award categories are in Excellence in Fisheries Award, Employer of the Year Award, Excellence in Forestry Award and Excellence in Yasana (Provincial) Aspiration Award.

Vinaka Vakalevu to our generous sponsors Natural Waters of Viti Ltd, DHL, Westpac Banking Corporation, the Bank of the South Pacific, PHAMA Plus Program, Tropik Wood Industries Limited, Tower Insurance, Fiji National Provident Fund, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Telecom Fiji Limited, Swire Shipping, HFC Bank, Vodafone Fiji Limited, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, iTaukei Affairs Board, iTaukei Trust Fund Board, Fijian Holdings Limited and the iTaukei Land Trust Board.

I also want to acknowledge Tappoo for generously sponsoring the cocktails and drinks at dinner tonight.

This award ceremony would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and event partners as well as those businesses that have applied for the award categories.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year has also been another busy year for Investment Fiji, with a series of events aimed at attracting investment and identifying potential business ventures.

The AHICE Fiji Investment in Tourism Summit highlighted Fiji's tourism potential, while the Fiji-North America Business Mission strengthened ties with the North American market.

The Labasa Chamber of Commerce Summit focused on opportunities in the Northern Division, and the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with the Japan External Trade Organization during the 10th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting in Tokyo, Japan opened doors for Japanese investment.

These events have collectively positioned Fiji as an attractive destination for investment, showcasing the diversification opportunities and fostering strong international partnerships.

I also acknowledge Investment Fiji’s Line Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-Operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica who is not here today due to international commitments but he sends his best wishes to all the companies here today and Investment Fiji.

The DPM and his Ministry has been instrumental in providing the necessary support to Investment Fiji as well as to our business community.

I also want to express our gratitude to all our strategic partners.

We are also pleased to acknowledge our Fijian Diaspora who are celebrating with us this evening. The diaspora plays a significant role in contributing to Fiji's socio-economic development.

Diversification is crucial for Fiji, particularly because of our nation’s vulnerability to external shocks like natural disasters, climate change, and global economic events.

This morning we witnessed the historic launch of Google's substantial investment in Fiji.

As part of the broader Pacific Connect Initiative, Google will revolutionize digital connectivity across the region by establishing infrastructure that will have a profound impact on how we live and conduct business.

This transformative investment will underscore Fiji's growing significance in the global digital landscape.

For those of us “sci-fi” enthusiasts these advancements in technology are surely propelling us into the trajectory of what we see in the movies and I for one, always wondered what it would be like to live in a world of robotics and in a digital era of AI. I am delighted that I can witness this digital revolution.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Investment Fiji has consistently exceeded expectations, undertaking numerous international missions, trade shows, and marketing campaigns.

Despite operating with a limited budget, Investment Fiji promotes 100% of Fiji’s economy as an investment and trade destination in a highly competitive market.

Working closely with businesses to facilitate investment projects, Investment Fiji provides free advisory services, and connects investors with potential partners and trade markets.

Investment Fiji has made significant impacts that have resulted in foreign direct investment inflows, contributing to the diversification of our economy and strengthening our economic foundations to be recognised as the regional hub.

This year’s theme is also reflected in the work we do at Investment Fiji, in terms of attracting efficiency seeking investments that will leave our country in the good hands of our future generations.

At Investment Fiji, we work towards enhancing Fiji’s economic growth by attracting sustainable investments and fostering our nation’s SDGs by aligning our core functions; investment promotion, facilitation, and policy advocacy with sustainable development priorities such as Attracting Green and Sustainable Investments, Supporting SMEs and Local Enterprises, Facilitating Sustainable Infrastructure Development & through Policy Advocacy for Sustainable Investment.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The growing investor confidence amplifies the continuing efforts of the Fiji Government and Investment Fiji in ensuring a supportive environment.

These awards not only honour the hard work and dedication of our entrepreneurs but also inspire future generations to pursue their dreams.

Our country has the potential to advance its economy and SDG goals by uniting and using our diverse backgrounds as a tool to unite our communities to build an innovative and sustainable future for Fiji.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff at Investment Fiji and acknowledge their untiring efforts in organising this prestigious event that took months of planning. Vinaka vakalevu team!

I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister, the Government of Fiji, and all our stakeholders for their unwavering support.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Now it is with great honour I introduce Fiji’s Prime Minister. He needs no introduction but I have put together a condensed version of his CV.

The Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka was elected Prime Minister of Fiji on the floor of Fiji’s parliament on 24 December 2022.

He became Fiji’s 7th elected Prime Minister, and is the first elected leader to serve twice in the high office.

He first served as Prime Minister of Fiji for seven years between 1992 and 1999.

He hails from the village of Drekeniwai, in the district of Navatu in the province of Cakaudrove.

He was elected Head Prefect in his final year at QVS in 1967 and then joined the Fiji Military Forces where he retired as Major General 23 years later.

He was Commander of the RFMF from 1987 to 1991 and served in various international peacekeeping roles in Lebanon and Sinai.

He was recognised for his exceptional bravery in Lebanon in 1980 earning him the distinguished Legion D’Honneur 3rd Class.

He was later awarded the 2nd Class of Grande Officier by the then French President Jacques Chirac in1997. He was also honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE – Military Division); Officer of the Order of St John; and Meritorious Service Decorationas a commissioned officer of the Fiji Military Forces.

The Honourable Prime Minister holds a Master’s Degree in Military Science from Madras University in India and a Honorary Doctorate from the Central Queensland University.

He was selected into Fiji’s national rugby team from 1970 to 1977. He also represented Fiji in athletics and the South Pacific Games in 1971 where he was Team Captain and Flag Bearer. He performed the dual roles again in 1974 at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Honourable Prime Minister is married to retired school teacher Sulueti Tuiloma Rabuka. They have two daughters and two sons, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Honourable Prime Minister we trust that you will enjoy this evening and take time out to relax because from tomorrow you will have your hands full with Immigration and the Fiji Police, but you did ask for it and we wish you all the very best.

I now have much pleasure to  invite the Honourable Prime Minister to the stage to deliver his keynote address.

Vinaka