The 2024 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards (PMIBA), a prestigious event that honours exceptional businesses and their significant contributions to Fiji’s economy, was officially launched earlier this month by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica.
Organised by Investment Fiji, the PMIBA has been a cornerstone in recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Fijian business community for over three decades. This year’s theme, ‘Business Innovation and Sustainability,’ will highlight businesses that are excelling in these critical areas, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable practices in today’s global economy.
Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.
In his address, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica underscored the vital role of government-private sector collaboration in nurturing a vibrant business environment in Fiji. “The unwavering support and cooperation between the Government and the private sector, exemplified by these awards, demonstrate the unity and resilience of Fiji’s business community. Despite the challenges posed by an ever-evolving global landscape, our businesses have shown remarkable adaptability and a strong commitment to sustainability. Through the PMIBA, we celebrate these successes and encourage further innovation and growth,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to creating a favourable environment for business expansion, highlighting the introduction of new policies aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Fiji. These initiatives are expected to further boost investor confidence and stimulate economic growth.
This year’s awards will feature several new categories, expanding the recognition of excellence across a broader range of sectors. These include the Excellence in Employer Award, Excellence in Fisheries Award, Excellence in Forestry Award, and the Excellence in Yasana (Provincial) Aspiration Award. These additions are intended to honour achievements in areas that have not been traditionally highlighted, showcasing the diverse contributions of Fiji’s business community.
Kamal Chetty, CEO, Investment Fiji.
Investment Fiji’s Chief Executive Officer, Kamal Chetty, emphasised the significance of the PMIBA in promoting innovation and excellence within the Fijian economy. “For more than thirty years, the Prime Minister’s International Business Awards have been a beacon of business excellence in Fiji. This year’s focus on ‘Business Innovation and Sustainability’ underscores our commitment to recognizing businesses that are not only successful but are also leaders in sustainable practices,” Chetty said.
Chetty also spoke about the introduction of the new award categories, noting that they are designed to broaden the scope of recognition and celebrate the wide-ranging achievements of Fijian businesses. “These new categories will allow us to honour outstanding contributions in previously unrecognised sectors, further enriching the awards. We are excited to see the innovative and sustainable practices that will be showcased this year,” he added.
The awards will once again be judged by an independent panel to ensure fairness and uphold the high standards of excellence associated with the PMIBA.
The event is fully backed by a diverse range of sponsors, including Natural Water of Viti (Fiji Water), DHL Express, Westpac Fiji, BSP Financial Group, and many others, whose continued support makes the celebration of local business achievements possible.
Applications for the 2024 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards are now open, inviting businesses across Fiji to share their success stories and compete for recognition. The awards ceremony, set to take place later this year, will be a grand occasion where Fiji’s most innovative and sustainable businesses will be honoured for their contributions to the nation’s economy.
