THE Government remains deeply committed to the growth and sustainability of the MSME sector.
Women Minister Sashi Kiran made this remark yesterday during the MSME Day Celebrations in Nadi.
“Through various programs under the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, we continue to provide financial support, training, market access, and digital tools to help MSMEs scale up,” she said.
“We are also actively simplifying regulatory processes to foster an environment where small businesses can thrive.”
Ms Kiran said one encouraging indicator of their progress was the remarkable growth in the number of sole trader business registrations by women over the past five years.
“In 2020, there were 464 women-registered sole traders. This rose to 851 in 2021, then to 1504 in 2022.
“In 2023, the number climbed to 2078, and in 2024, we saw an unprecedented jump to 9524. As of 1st April 2025, we have already recorded 2617 new registrations by women.
“This consistent upward trend reflects the growing confidence, participation, and entrepreneurial drive of Fijian women.
“Further to this, data from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service shows that there are currently: 28,570 active registered women taxpayers in the Micro Entrepreneur category who have a turnover of up to $50,000 per year, 3110 women in the Small Entrepreneur category who have a turnover between $50,000 and $300,000 per year, and 357 women operating at the Medium Entrepreneur level who have a turnover between $300,000 and $1.25 million per year.
“These figures highlight the breadth of women’s involvement in the business sector and the potential for further growth through sustained and strategic support.”
Meanwhile, forty-five women entrepreneurs completed the FRCS 1- and 2-star program and received their certificates yesterday.
“I am told that this initiative-delivered over three years has helped build your knowledge in tax and customs, enabling you to become compliant, informed, and empowered business leaders,”Ms Kiran said.
“And more importantly, you will go on to serve as ambassadors of FRCS within your communities, sharing insights and encouraging other entrepreneurs to enter and grow within the formal economy.”