On Wednesday, 28 May, the Fiji Indigenous Business Council (FIBC) proudly opened its 2025 Symposium at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami under the theme: "Networking: Creating & Sustaining Our Future in Business."
The event commenced with powerful and encouraging remarks by our chief guest Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation. This was followed by a presentation by Hon. Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics.
Their participation underscored the importance of Indigenous-led economic growth, and their support for iTaukei and Rotuman business transformation was felt throughout the room.
Haroon Ali, Country Head of BSP Fiji, and Liz Mackinlay, CEO of ABV, were honoured to present on the success of the Fiji THRIVE program—a collaborative initiative designed to empower micro, small and medium-sized businesses with the tools, networks, and strategies needed to thrive in a modern, competitive economy. Their insights demonstrated how targeted support, and true partnership can transform local enterprise into engines of community growth.
Haroon Ali spoke to the sustained commitment of the Fiji THRIVE model, saying:
“This is not like a three-day workshop and we forget about what we have said in those three days. It's a six-months programme holding hands to make sure that every MSME customer that we put through this training has become successful.”
This hands-on, long-term approach reflects a genuine effort to not only educate, but to walk alongside micro and small business owners on their path to success.
Liz Mackinlay highlighted how filling fundamental knowledge gaps is unlocking the potential of local entrepreneurs.
“We've met so many wonderful business people with brilliant business ideas that were never taught cash management or inventory management or the value of HR or how do you market or even assess your market,” she said.
“So some of those fundamentals can be a game changer for these brilliant entrepreneurs that have got amazing ideas.”
This kind of practical, targeted support is the essence of what makes Fiji THRIVE impactful.
Key themes from their presentation included:
1. Building Capacity to Access Finance and Partnerships
Fiji THRIVE is equipping iTaukei entrepreneurs with the tools to create financially sound, bankable business plans that meet institutional standards. The program also focuses on ensuring fair and transparent participation in joint ventures, while strengthening business acumen and negotiation skills to protect iTaukei interests.
2. Innovating in Traditional Sectors: Farming, Fishing and Handicrafts
Traditional livelihoods remain the economic backbone of many communities. Fiji THRIVE is supporting value addition through better packaging, branding, and processing, while also fostering diversification into agritourism, eco-products, and sustainable enterprises—ensuring innovation respects culture while opening new income streams.
3. Unlocking Market Access
By improving product quality and presentation, Fiji THRIVE is helping Indigenous businesses meet the expectations of high-value markets. The initiative is also building strong linkages to the tourism sector, retail markets, and export buyers, and reinforcing local value chains to keep wealth within communities.
4. Future-Focused Growth: Digital, Sustainable, and Inclusive
The program supports digital adoption, including mobile banking, online marketing, and e-commerce tools. It also taps into Fiji’s Blue and Green economy potential through clean energy, eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and climate-smart practices—positioning Indigenous entrepreneurs at the forefront of regenerative business models.
5. Building Wealth and Equity through Inclusive Business
Fiji THRIVE is helping to create pathways for intergenerational wealth creation through land- and ocean-based enterprise and investment. It champions women as entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators and promotes inclusive business models that ensure success is widely shared, not concentrated.
BSP and ABV acknowledge and deeply respect the pivotal role the Fiji Indigenous Business Council plays in shaping the future of Indigenous enterprises in Fiji. The Council’s commitment to uniting, empowering, and transforming iTaukei and Rotuman businesses while serving as a voice to government, institutions, and the private sector is both visionary and essential. Its ambitious goal to help establish 5,000 successful iTaukei and Rotuman companies by 2034 is one that aligns closely with the values of inclusive, sustainable development that both BSP and ABV champion.
The energy, insights, and commitment displayed during the symposium show the future of Indigenous business in Fiji is bright, inclusive, and transformational.
