Fiji is deepening its collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to enhance trade opportunities, empower local entrepreneurs and drive the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment during a bilateral meeting with ITC on the margins of the EU-Pacific Business Forum in Nadi.
He welcomed ITC’s support in delivering technical training for Fijian officials and entrepreneurs, particularly in the MSME sector.
“By equipping our people with the right tools and skills, we can better position Fijian products in international markets,” Kamikamica said.
Talks centred on strengthening Fiji’s competitiveness in high-value commodities such as kava, coconuts, vanilla and tuna. Officials also discussed new areas of collaboration, including improving packaging and branding, expanding market access for women entrepreneurs and enhancing export readiness.
ITC representatives shared insights from successful programmes in the Caribbean and Papua New Guinea, underscoring the organisation’s global track record in capacity building.
Kamikamica expressed interest in adapting similar strategies to Fiji’s context, with an emphasis on post-harvest processing, renewable drying technologies and product certification.
As part of the partnership, the Ministry will work with ITC to establish a SheTrades Chapter in Fiji.
SheTrades, an ITC initiative, connects women entrepreneurs with buyers, investors, training and financing to expand their participation in international trade. It operates through an online platform, regional hubs and global events such as SheTrades Global, which link women with potential partners and markets.
