Nausori Market shopper will not go far anymore for their meat.

This after the opening of the Abbus Quality Halal Meats PTE Limited on Friday.

The $120,000 investment is located on the left wing of the market complex.

The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum said it was through the dedication and the perseverance by the director and the support of his family.

From left: Chairman of Special Administrator Nausori/Nasinu Uma Kant Patel, Minister for Commerce,Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya and Abbus Quality Halal Meats director Asad Ali carrying his son
on August 5,2022. Photo: Laisa Lui

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there will be a regular supply of meat as the director was venturing into beef farming.

“You can have a regular supply of meat, a supply chain and control of the supply chain is critically important,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“It goes to show that there is a growing demand for his products for quality products, and essentially to give confidence to the new outlet.

“We like to wish him all the best in that venture and thank him for the confidence in the Fijian economy,” he said.

Market vendor, Liku Vasuca said the one thing that was missing from the market was a butcher.

She said now customers can do their market and meat shopping at one place.

She said the location of the newly opened butcher was convenient.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Abbus Quality Halal Meats is a 100 per cent locally owned company.

It was established in December 2020 and now has two branches in Nakasi and Nausori.

Director Asad Ali saw the de­mand for a butcher at the Nausori Market and invested $120,000 on the new meat outlet which pro­vided eight new jobs.

Mr Ali invested $500,000 and opened his first butcher shop in Nakasi and employed 15 people.

He had started his first business, a civil earthwork and construc­tion company in 2014, when he was 24 years old.

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya lauded the achievement by the company, selling Fijian owned products.

“I would invite them to see if they qualify for the Fijian grown branding,” Mr Koya said.

“It’s a sign of good things, peo­ple investing into business and expanding their businesses, that shows their confidence in the economy.

“At the end of the day, we’re growing and the standards have been kept good and people are opening new businesses.”

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Courts celebrated its national bedding month together with vision fintech birthday promotion on Friday.

Head of Marketing Joni Moce said, their main target was to improve the lives of people in Fiji.

The promotion was launched at their Suva outlet.

“National bedding month is one of the promotions we usually do it every year.” Mr Moce said.

Mr Moce said, through the promotion they tried to give customers the satisfaction they needed.

Mr Moce said, Courts roots goes far as the 1920 and the company was well known for its red pen deals.

Its first priority was to get the authorized dealership on.

According to Courts Fiji, customers should ensure they make purchases from an authorized agent or dealer electric, furniture, ICT and mechanical products for any high value.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj

Vinod Patel & Company Pte Limited (VPCL) held its Makita Trade Night show on Wednesday at the company’s head office in Centre Point.

The last Makita Power Tools and Equipment show was done four years ago.

The Makita team from Australia delivered and demonstrated their tools to the customers and Vinod Patel team.

VPCL chief operating officer, Neelesh Singh said the whole idea of the event was to bring in products that were quite innovative and would support the industry.

Team from Makita Australia assisting Vinod Patel staff during the Makita trade night show on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.
Photo: Shreeya Verma

“It is safe to use and it brings in the efficiency and productivity that really gives the edge in completion of a project at any site,” he said.

“As an innovation driven organization, Makita and Vinod Patel launched the 40-volt cordless machines that really build up the speed of getting the work done from a smallest tool that may look like a toy, but it’s a tool that can fix your roof.

“Right from that to demolition hammers, to concrete cutting machines, and so on and so forth that really builds or gives the edge in the construction industry.”

Mr Singh said Makita and Vinod Patel were partners to the industry and they were a family that believed not only in selling and retailing, but also providing solutions.

“We also believe in creating a partnership relation not only with our customers, but with the suppliers so it’s an end to end and that is why we’ve got Makita here at our service Centre,” he added.

“Now we are offering affordability in terms of any contractor or those who want to own Makita machines with pride, they could also buy it through hire purchase, which is a flexible payment term extended up to two years.”

The show was also done at the Western Division and would be conducted in the North next week.

Makita Australia’s export manager, Russell Bael said the event was all about representing Vinod Patel in Fiji as an exclusive Makita dealer for Fiji.

“Also, Makita wanted to showcase to the customers of Fiji some new products that Makita has in their range,” he said.

He said Makita had been dealing with Vinod Patel for more than 40 years.

“Makita in Australia has only been represented for 30 years. So, it’s been a very long relationship with Makita and Vinod Patel and it’s (Makita) 100 plus years and it’s only going to grow from there,” he said.

Mr Bael also said they had brought some new 40-volt tools.

“The 40-volt power tools are the next level in cordless power tools. Everyone is very familiar with 18-volt power tools and the range is massive,” he said.

Feedback: shreeya.verma@fijisun.com.fj

Manasa Daunakamakama is planning to build a rock-climbing facility in Suva.

The Bau native said outdoor activities were part of his daily routine since he was a child.

“Growing up on the island my father would encourage me to involve myself in outdoor activities,” Mr Daunakamakama said.

The former Kayak coach is determined that rock climbing would pursue the interest of individuals which was a rare activity.

“I was raised in Naitasiri where all activities are done outdoors so it was important that we do more outdoor activities to stay active,” he said.

Mr Daunakamakama said the whole project was possible through the assistance and partnership with the Rock-Climbing community based in the USA.

Inspiration

Rock climbing is a rare sport here in Fiji with this facility it will grow and motivate individuals to pursue the sport at an international level.

“It is my life experience in various fields such as rugby that motivated me to pursue my interest in rock climbing.”

Mr Daunakamakama was diagnosed with chronic liver cancer, but it did not stop him from pursuing what he loved the most.

“If you think you are weak, remind yourself that this is not the end of the road, keep climbing.”

He hopes to build the facility in Laucala. He has a mini facility in Nausori.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj

Ra-born businessman and social worker, Tulsi Ram, considers Ba his hometown. The former administrator for three municipalities said many people were not aware of the fact that he hailed from Ellington Ra.

Mr. Ram left Ra to pursue his studies and career in1972. In 1977, his first posting – as an assistant health inspector – took him to Ba, where to this day he continues to reside.

His work took him to most of the western towns for the past 21 years. Now a board member of Ba Senior Citizen Centre, he also serves as a certified Justice of the Peace, and a marriage celebrant.

Between 2001 and 2010, Mr. Ram was the chief executive officer for Ba Town Council.

He was transferred to Tavua Town Council until 2014, before he joined the Sigatoka Town Council in December 2014.

He retired from the council in 2019. Mr. Ram served as relieving special administrator Nadi, and Chief Executive Officer Rakiraki between 2018 and 2019.

“I worked for the local government for almost 19 years,” he said.

“At one time, I looked after two councils at the same time – both were different ends of the western division.”

Where In Fiji Would You Take Friends To?

Navala Village, Ba.

It has maintained original thatched bure structures.

I know a lot of people of this generation who have not seen a bure.

Ellington in Rakiraki, is another destination. It is unspoilt and clean.

Thatched bures at Navala in the inteior of Ba are still an attraction for travellers.

What Is Your Favourite Spot For A Coffee Or Pie?

The Coffee Hub, Ba Town.

It is of high standard, and something new for Ba.

Anyone crossing through Ba Town needs to visit the place.

It has lots of room for parking.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

Ba. It’s where I carry out gardening.

This keeps me fit and provides us with fresh vegetables and fruits.

We all need to have a selection of vegetables that we can exchange with our neighbours and friends.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj

Vasiti Soko is a Fijian geographic information system (GIS) specialist and the Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) of Fiji.

Mrs Soko has seen the worst of cyclones but the 37-year-old Natokalau, Matuku, Lau native believes that resilience always wins.

She was the recipient of the inaugural Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Award in October 2021, from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Re-duction (UNDRR).

Since she was appointed director in 2019, Ms Soko coordinated Fiji’s response to seven tropical cyclones and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Soko has worked to ensure effective inter-cluster coordination with a focus on resource mobilisation, leadership, reporting, information sharing, and inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Raising the bar in her field particularly in her role will enable women to achieve anything despite their gender.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

I have travelled to most parts of the country, I have gone as far as Ono-i-Lau, Kadavu, Levuka , interior of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu.

A beach front on the Island of Kadavu. Source: https://melandmary.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/field-trip-to-nadarivatu-fiji/

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

Natokalu Matuku in Lau to witness the simplicity and way of life we have in the village.

My Village is mostly surrounded by rocks.

The story behind these rocks and our struggles of visionary elders to the place of the village at this current site is extraordinary.

I urge every Fijian to come visit my beautiful home to listen first-hand to the inspiring stories of our elders.

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee Or Pie?

Farmers Daughter Pie: Certainly pies from Hot –bread Kitchen

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains In Your Bucket List?

Bouma Waterfall in Taveuni is a must do trip before I turn 40.

Bouma Waterfall in Taveuni Island.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj

An entrepreneur that co-founded a software company believes that ACTON is laying the foundational bricks for the future of Fiji.

Sanjesh Kumar said what they do at ACTON Fiji Private Limited could one day become Fiji’s greatest foreign exchange earner and the biggest contributor to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mr Kumar is from Labasa, and spent most of his childhood on a farm where he learnt to play rugby with the village boys before he moved to Ba.

He plays guitar and enjoys its rhythm when relaxing with friends over a basin of kava. Other than that, he would spend three to four hours every day watching documentaries, biopics and reading.

He may be a successful entrepreneur but his dream job was to be a rally driver.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

Almost every place in Fiji, except the Lau Group, Kadavu and the Yasawas.

Lau Group

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To And Why?

The Mamanucas – if there is heaven on Earth, it is there!

An island in the Mamanucas.

What Is Your Favourite Place for Coffee/ Pie and Why?

Coffee Hub in Nadi.

The place has a certain warmth about it and the service is outstanding!

The Coffee Hub

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot and Why?

Wailoaloa beach in Nadi.

The sunsets are to die for there.

A balcony view overlooking part of Wailoaloa beach, Nadi.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List, And Why?

The Yasawas. I’ve heard of its beauty. And of course, the Sawa-i-Lau caves.

Sawa-i-Lau caves in the Yasawas

Sawa-i-Lau caves in the Yasawas

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Entrepreneur Aachal Reddy ventured into setting up Fiji’s first rolled ice-cream business. Ms Reddy was a successful recipient of the soft loan from the Fiji Development Bank.

She first started her business from her Mead Road home in Nabua selling juice and milkshakes. She is married and is still praying to have a child after losing two pregnancies.

The challenges she faced resulted in the inception of a small business, “Sweet Sips,” to keep Ms Reddy occupied.

“We applied for the FDB COVID grant and were able to get a small business loan. So we decided to bring something new,” Ms Reddy said.

“We had seen a video on YouTube of rolled ice-cream and decided to buy a rolled ice-cream machine.”

“We first introduced this roll ice cream machine in Rups Nakasi during Eid celebration.”

Rolled ice cream is also known as stir-fried ice cream that is spread on a really cold metal surface then scraped up into totally a perfect spiral and stacked vertically in a cup to serve.

Rolled ice cream uses less sugar than traditional ice-cream which means fewer calories per serving, and no air is added to the mix, which makes it denser than typical ice cream.

Ms Reddy said customers loved their rolled ice cream in a cup even though they had to wait in line. With the help of her husband, the couple have 10 rolled ice cream flavours including strawberry, orange, oreo, lime, banana, chocolate, pineapple, passion fruit, peach and mango.

They will soon launch three new flavors; guava, blackberry, and watermelon.

“We have received feedback from our customers that rolled ice cream is tastier because it is made on the spot,” she said.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Customers of S Nagindas in Vanua Levu will no longer travel to Savusavu to shop after a mini outlet was opened at the main street of Labasa Town yesterday.

Company general manager Amit Khatri said it was also good news for those who shop online through the snagindas.com website.

He said they have received numerous requests from the people of labasa on social media to open a store in town.

“Our new store will cater to a range of products, new releases, and special offers which our customers can take advantage of,” Mr Khatri said.

“We have seen growth in Labasa, therefore we have acquired space in the new Damodar Complex project.”

S Nagindas largest store will open next year at the new Damodar complex.

The company spent about $75,000 to open the Labasa store.

“We feel very honored,” he said.

“Our company has been investing in development and we are glad that after the opening of the Savusavu branch in 2020, we have now provided more opportunities to the people of the North to shop.”

The new outlet provided 12 new jobs. It will open six days a week from Monday to Saturday.

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj

The opening of the Suva Meenoo’s branch provided employment opportunities to 19 people. Branch manager Avinesh Krishna said they would be recruiting more.

He said because the demands from their customers led to setting up a bigger store in the central city.

Mr Krishna said the location was very convenient on one of the busiest streets in Suva, Mark Street.

About The Store

The double storey building offers a variety of choices from clothes to household electrical appliances and school stationery.

“This is a one stop shop where everything you need is under one roof,” Mr Krishna said.

“The ground floor has a clothing section for men, women, children, sports, bula wear and materials for all occasions.”

“We’re also preparing a section for school uniforms to be ready by the start of school next year,” he said.

Mr Krishna said that most of their garments were locally made. The store opens six days a week and on selected Sundays.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Felisha Hazelman Tuiloma is the managing partner of The Rotisserie, well known for its roasting goodness. The eatery opened in Laucala during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

This did not seem like good timing because sales dropped. To survive, the company diversified into deliveries, catering for family functions, and supplying to medical workers who were working during the pandemic.

“For now we’re focused on expanding in Suva and then we’ll see where that takes us,” Ms Tuiloma said.

Viber Group

The Savusavu native set up a Viber group that brought in 1000 members within a week.

Seventeen weeks later, the Viber group now has 17,492 members.

“The group is effective and it keeps us busy. I am rarely on social media, my whole focus is on Viber because I control it.”

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

I’ve traveled all over – Lomaiviti Group, Vanua Levu, Levuka, and the Yasawas.

In terms of business, we are basically focused on Suva.

Naigani Island in the Lomaiviti Group.

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie?

I like Mana Coffee, Farmers Daughters – has the best coffee purely because it comes from the Coral Coast and it is very nice.

Mana Coffee.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

I spend a lot of time with my kids and do what they like to do, do some drawing and crafty stuff, we go to the movies and eat out somewhere and go to Tom’s World or go swimming.

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

Savusavu and the Yasawas.

Yasawa Islands.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List?

Lau and Rotuma where my husband is from and to Korotubu in Labasa, my mom’s village.

Rotuma Island.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Shirley Rachel is a post mistress in Vanuabalavu. She has travelled to places in her line of work to provide the services delivered by the company to the community.

The mother-of-four began her Post Fiji job at Ba before being posted on Vanuabalavu. She has been with the Postal Agency for 13 years.

The Tailevu native is more familiar with her maternal links and has fond memories of the island of Matuku, Moala in the Lau groups.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

Suva, Western Division and Lau.

Lau Group

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

The paradise of Burotukula in Matuku for its perfumed beach, and the endemic plant duibana,(one tree with many other plants on it) and the myth of the sunk island with the beautiful maidens.

Natokalau Village, Matuku, Lau

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie?

Gloria Jean’s

Gloria Jeans Damodar City, Suva. Photo: Leon Lord.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

Taking my kids for a picnic on the beach.

This is a form of relaxation for me.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List?

The Garden Island of Taveuni to cross the International Dateline Fiji and also see the endemic flower of the Tagimoucia.

Tagimoucia flower.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Home & Living announced its first standalone IT shop in Fiji to open at the exciting Damodar City Labasa in the coming months.

This new shop will offer the Northern Division the latest and widest range of renown brands for ICT and Audio Visual merchandise.

The range of products will feature laptops, mobile phones, tablets, headphones, wireless speakers, mobile phone cases & accessories, TVs sound bars, car speakers, etc.

These products will also be available on hire purchase. Home & Living is a retail consumer business with multiple locations across Fiji providing an extensive range of home and office furniture, technology, home entertainment, white goods and kitchen appliances and outdoor sports.

The General Manager Sales & Operation for Home and Living, Mr Ronald Narayan stated that, “Damodar City Labasa is an ideal combination of prime location and timing for the Company and an ideal alignment with its strategic objectives. This is our first standalone IT shop, which will offer a wide range of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) and Audio Visual Merchandise (AVM) products and best brands.”

The new Home & Living shop will open in the Supermarket Wing of the $50M Damodar City Labasa shopping complex later this year.

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

Laselase, Nadroga native Ikavote Ratudamu was happy to be back home. He arrived with the 830 crew members of the P&O Australia Cruises Pacific Explorer cruise ship on Tuesday, August 15.

Mr Ratudamu works as a content coordinator on board the cruise ship and is one of the ten local crew working on the vessel. The Pacific Explorer arrived from Auckland, New Zealand and was expected to be in Sydney, Australia on August 20 at 6am.

Mr Ratudamu has been in the cruise industry since 2015. In 2018 he took a break. He joined P&O Australia Cruises two months ago. Prior joining the cruise, he worked at the Holiday Inn and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa: Luxury Fiji Resort.

“It’s the best feeling, I have been personally looking forward to this day, usually when I go on board the first thing I check is the itinerary,” he said.

“Coming home is the best feeling ever. I and the rest of the Fijian crew celebrated this day. He said there were a total of 32 nationalities working on board the Pacific Explorer.”

“I must say that there’s a really good mix of culture, you get to learn, appreciate and recognise people’s culture and they appreciate your culture as well,” he said.

He described the emotion among crew members after receiving a warm welcome from vendors and entertainment groups serenading tourists and crew members as the vessel docked at the Port of Lautoka.

“Singing the national anthem in front of our team is a totally different feeling altogether,” he said.

“We are really grateful and privileged to have the opportunity to sing today so that was a good boost for us all.”

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj

There’s excitement in the Lautoka business sector as they await the Punjas Battle of the Giants (BOG) 2022 tournament next week and the economic benefits it would bring.

The tournament will begin on August 26-28 while semi-finals and finals will be on September 3-4 at Churchill Park.

Lautoka City Council chief executive officer Mohammed Anees Khan said most of the maintenance and upgrade works were carried out in preparation for the Fijian Drua game earlier in May.

“For the BOG tournament, we have the facilities in top-notch condition, some minor touchups and tidying up are needed though,” Mr Khan said.

“District team supporters are expected to converge in numbers to the City of Lautoka. There is a good hype of excitement amongst the retailers and businesses in general.”

Mr Khan was yet to confirm whether stall space allocations had been made.

Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pyara Singh said all food, retail and transport sectors would benefit from the influx of supporters travelling to Lautoka to watch the Punjas BOG 2022.

“Every day there would be more than 10,000 people in Lautoka to watch the games, a lot of overseas people will come and also see the new floodlights because an allocation was given to upgrade that in the budget

He said more large-scale tournaments could be held in Lautoka.

“Churchill park grounds and tracks are one of the best in the South Pacific, not only in Fiji. Lautoka Chamber of Commerce welcomes the BOG tournament in Lautoka and also thanks the Fiji Football Association and also the sponsors Punja & Sons for making this possible,” he said.

Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association president Narayan Reddy said the tournament was a much-needed boost to the business sector.

“A lot of people will buy from the food stalls and I am sure a lot of vendors will benefit and also people will also be accommodated at the hotels. For vendors and business houses selling merchandise, they need to make the most of it,” he said.

Meanwhile ticket presales for the Punjas BOG 2022 will go on sale from Monday, August 22.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj

There is a new law firm in town, Shirley Lavenia Susan Legal (SLS Legal).

The firm was launched on Friday belonging to three friends, Shirley Tivao, Lavenia Bogitini and Susan Serukai.

The three women are great examples of women empowerment, leadership and entrepreneurship in the legal sector.

The firm is located at Bau Street in Flagstaff.

Not only that, they are going digital by also investing in website – this was also launched on Friday.

Ms Serukai said they started their business with a lot of love, support and prayers from their families and friends.

“We feel the website will draw most of our clients because it depicts and illustrates about us and what we’re capable of,” Ms Serukai said.

“We may have been doing criminal law but we are now ready for the big world as we have learnt from the best and ready to move on.

“We’re also family oriented and can deal with family cases such as divorce.”

How they started

The trio are former Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) lawyers.

The planning for this law firm started exactly one year ago, with a vision board, a checklist, and deadlines.

It started from registration of a name which took them three months to finally agree to one, then flat hunting for an office space.

They worked together at the ODPP’’s office for almost eight years.

Workmates turned best friends within the years.

“We can be competitive and also be friends,-that’s a good sign because transparency, honesty, and dealing with all the emotions together,” Ms Serukai said.

“We’re being honest with each other, we criticize each other’s work, and with that positivity that we have in our friendship.”

The office furniture was complimented by their families and friends.

Employment

The trio will start hiring once the load of work increases. For now, they will handle all the office work.

“It took a lot of hardwork and dedication and that’s how much we want to inspire other women out there,” Ms Serukai said.

“If you have a dream to start a business, set a plan and work towards it.”

To know more about the firm, log into their website: www.slslegalfiji.com

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Tourism Fiji has partnered with Fijian sensation Shaheel Prasad to showcase Fiji as a tourist destination.

He will once again be strutting his stuff in various tourism hotspots in and around Nadi showcasing Fiji’s beauty and outlining various tourism experiences.

Shermont captured the attention of the world when one of his videos, showing him catwalk barefoot holding inanimate objects such as a metal gate, a wooden ladder and bench and even his sister, went viral and hit 28 million views.

The short video clip was shared on multiple social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and landed him and Fiji global attention for his hilarious take on fashion show catwalks, featuring in international news outlets like the New York Times, ABC News, the Times of India and India.com to name a few.

Tourism Fiji chief marketing officer Emma Campbell said: “Our team had a chance to meet with Shermont this week before his shoot and we’re all huge fans! So, we were thrilled when he agreed to work with us to showcase Fiji in a fun new way and we are delighted to get the chance to put some of Fiji’s most beautiful places in front of Shermont’s 457k followers.”

In an interview with the superstar earlier this week, Shermont said, “This was one of the best experiences of my life and my first vacation in over five years. For me, it wasn’t just a shoot! I am honoured that somehow; my videos is promoting Fiji and helping the tourism sector and my country.”

Shermont added: “About 20% of my followers are from USA and most of them are always asking me to show them more of Fiji so this shoot helped me do that.

At the same time, I did some amazing activities for the first time in Fiji on this shoot like diving, river rafting and going zip lining and I did them all with my best friend, Delanie.”

Malamala Beach Club, Big Bula Waterpark and Sabeto Sleeping Giant Zipline are some of the locations on this shoot and, his video on TikTok, that sees him perform his famous catwalk moves in Namaka market, has already amassed 49k likes on TikTok.

Feedback : selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

The Australia Trade Mission hosted by Investment Fiji last month has brought successful opportunities for one local company, Green Gold Kava Fiji, which has inked a new deal with Australian importers after securing valuable business for its locally grown products.

Managing director Praveen Narayan stated the new distributors, based in Melbourne, had expressed interest in purchasing their products during the week-long trade tour in Australia in July.

Narayan said the mission created a perfect platform for constructive meetings with key buyers.

While congratulating the company on its recent achievement in expanding to the Australian market, Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty mentioned it is a significant step forward for the company to establish itself in a new market.

“One of our aims while hosting this outbound mission was to establish markets and trade channels for our local products internationally. With new interest in kava in international countries, it is imperative that Fiji makes the most of every opportunity to protect kava as a true Fijian product,” said Chetty.

He highlighted that Fiji has a wide range of premium kava products and Investment Fiji is ready to provide opportunities to meet with new buyers and market information to businesses in this industry.

Meanwhile, the Australia mission 30-member Fijian delegation was led by Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya.

Source: Investment Fiji

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

A Labasa woman who start­ed advertising her baking products on the Facebook page ‘Sweet Relief’ in 2020 has fi­nally managed to open a shop at Delailabasa last week.

Sweet Relief, owned by Emma Dunn Matavesi, and supported by her husband David Matavesi, aims to provide fresh pastries daily to ensure quality is always at the fore­front of her service delivery.

The 34-year-old mother of four children said baking has always been her biggest passion, admitting that it’s something that runs in the blood from her maternal side.

About Sweet Relief

Up until she was 21, Ms Matavesi had been baking for family occa­sions and celebrations.

It was not until she relocated with her family to Labasa in 2020 that she and her husband decided to create a little home-based business page on Facebook to see if there was an opportunity to explore her passion.

They began to notice a market for cakes in Labasa.

She said that through COVID-19, while many businesses were down, cake orders would still come in.

“Seeing how we’ve grown as a home-made business over two years, we felt that 2022 would be a good time to venture into actually having a shop that can offer some tasty treats,” she said.

“We’ve started with nothing fancy, but as the saying goes, ‘you need to start from somewhere’.”

Biggest Challenge:

The former All Saints Secondary School student said starting any business meant making adjust­ments daily.

As a Fiji National University grad­uate in Commercial Cookery, she said every day was an opportunity to find an easier way to manage the business.

Her biggest challenge was finding ways to set up at the lowest cost pos­sible.

“With how the price of things have sky-rocketed in the past few months, it will be a challenge for many small micro-enterprises to kick start their business and grow,” she said.

She had done her apprenticeship programme with the Holiday Inn, Suva where she had spent a few years.

Why open in Delailabasa

She said Delailabasa was very cen­tral and close to where she lived.

“It’s away from the busy town cen­tre and we get to be available for those who just don’t want to drive into town,” she said.

“I’m just glad to have the support of my husband, children and par­ents who continue to back me and who are pushing me to grow the business.”

Her advice to the women in the Northern Division is to not be afraid to trust and believe in what you’re most passionate about.

The opening hours of her bakery is from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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