A group of women entrepreneurs from Fiji recently participated in the Pacific Fair in Noumea, New Caledonia and managed to rake in an estimate of FJ $25,000 in sales from the event alone.
According to Women Entrepreneurs Business Council Coordinator, Fiona Uagunu this was a first time for many of the women entrepreneurs who had attended an international trade fair such as this.
“Most of them are their first-time attending fair’s as such and it was an eye opener. Especially in terms of seeing similar kinds of products as theirs and the value-add done on them. This is a major take back,” she said.
“The first day of the fair exceeded expectations, with the women entrepreneurs making strong sales. They reached their day one sales target and prepared for the next day. The second day started slowly but picked up, resulting in fruitful business dealings. The third and final day was full of fair attendees, with some members selling out their products,” added Uagunu.
She urged MSMEs to embrace the opportunity to showcase their products or services without hesitation.
“While you may encounter obstacles and hurdles on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that you are the primary advocate for your products and services success,” she added.
Investment Fiji played a key role in facilitating the group’s participation and collaborated with Women Entrepreneur’s Business Council as well as the New Caledonia Trade and Invest (NCT&I).
The agency provided logistical support before and during the event, and also organized a briefing session to help the women prepare for the trade fair.
Chief executive Kamal Chetty said they are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and helping them to succeed in the global marketplace.
“The Pacific Fair was a great opportunity for our women entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.”
“At Investment Fiji, the main focus is providing avenues such as the Pacific Fair, for MSME have to upscale their business.”
“These platforms allow businesses to find markets outside of their usual business environment as well as grasping the standards and requirements to meet the demand in the global landscape,” Chetty stated.
