MICRO, small and medium enterprise (MSMEs) are the backbone of the economy and play a vital role in the growth and development of the country.
This was stated by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Taxation director Momina Begg at last week’s MSME Day Celebration 2026 in Suva, in which 252 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs from the FRCS MSME Business Community were recognised for their commitment to business development, tax compliance and continuous learning through a certificate presentation ceremony.
Ms Begg said MSME contributions in Fiji have been evident through the economy’s performance despite the challenges Fiji faces amid geopolitical tensions currently impacting the global economy.
She said through MSME contributions, the tax revenue has been increasing over the year as well.
“One of the things I think is visible out there is how the economy is going and has been mentioned,” Ms Begg said.
“There are challenging times for Fiji. However, if you look at the tax revenue, we are growing our revenue,” she said.
Ms Begg said so far, the FRCS has achieved more than its $3.37 billion forecasted figure.
However, she did not reveal the total revenue collected and stated that the revenue collection is still going on.
She said one of the contributing factors of this success is FRCS’ commitment to empowering MSMEs with their tax and compliance training which educates and provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to become tax compliant and to manage and expand their businesses.
She added that these trainings have helped businesses in proper and accurate bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, profit and loss and balance sheet of their business accounts.
Suva Market Vendors Association president Sakiusa Buraisarasau said MSMEs play a very important role in Fijis economy because starting small is the first step to achieving greater results.
“This is where everything starts before we come to the big ones, because that’s all where we start. And if we start it right, we’ll end it right,” Mr Buraisarasau said.
He said once the small businesses grow, they provide opportunities for others and contribute more to the economy depending on the type of business.
He added that the tax compliance trainings by the tax office have helped him and the other vendors to manage their business records, keep things on track and overcome their fears regarding tax compliance.
“What the concern was before was issues which have resolved at the market because people were not able to secure proper engagements on bookkeeping and all those,” he said.
“Before we come to tax, we need to keep records of what we’ve been saving. We know it now and can do it by ourselves,” he said.
Micro business owner Sisilia Seviua of Sevi Enterprises, which specialise in home-made assorted jams and tamarind chutney, said MSMEs are the heartbeat of the economy.
“Because our little businesses make up to this whole dynamic of other businesses, without us, these big businesses and organisations will not function. That’s my opinion,” Ms Seviua said.
Among the 252 businesses that are part of the FRCS MSME Business Community, 39 entrepreneurs successfully completed a comprehensive three-year training and coaching program and graduated last week as independent business fully compliant with Fiji’s tax and customs requirements.
UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office representative Eri Taniguchi, left, presents Sisilia Seviua with her tax compliance certificate. Picture: KARISHMA KUMARI
MSME entrepreneurs with their tax compliance certificates at the FRCS office in Suva last week. Picture: KARISHMA KUMARI
