Participants at the Fiji Export workshop held at the Pacific Islands Secretariat Forum. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI.
By ZAFIYA SHAMIM
A workshop facilitator has commended Fiji in doing exceptionally well as far as exports are concerned.
Learn.Fast founder and International director, Warwick McCormack said this as phase two of Fiji Export Council workshop themed: ‘Growing Your Business’ came to a close yesterday.
It was held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the workshop is aimed at looking at the important aspects of how to become a successful exporter.
“We all must commend that Fiji has been doing exceptionally well in terms of exporting,” Mr McCormack said.
“Thus we are here to guide the participants to reach the level required to enter the export business.”
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Small business can export
Mr McCormack noted that with careful business planning, small businesses too can become successful exporters.
“Most people worry that they have a small business and they cannot become an exporter,” he said.
“But we are here to tell them that some small businesses are doing exceptionally well.
“Being an exporter requires planning and understanding of what forms of assistance are out there and the pathways to take.”
Mr McCormack said these types of workshops were very rare in most of the countries.
“Fiji has a bright future as they have the garment, mahogany industries for export purposes,” he said.
Long-term aim
Fiji Export Council general manager Jone Cavubati said the workshop targeted those who were planning to set up their business with the long-term aim of exporting.
“We are trying to assist the small entrepreneurs for a competitive export. This also brought to light many questions.”
Mr Cavubati said there were a lot of barriers whilst entering the new market but it was important to have confidence and the will to achieve it.
Participants Sunil Lata Nand said that she has learnt a lot from this workshop.
Ms Nand started from Horticulture and now wants to enter the export business.
“The export market is very competitive and to remain in it is not easy and this workshop has helped me understand the business requirements to join the exporting business.”