$400k to support Pacific MSMEs

Twelve Pacific micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will see their businesses grow from strength to strength with the support of grants worth over $400,000 euros.

The grant is part of the European Union-funded ‘Safe Agricultural Trade Facilitation through Economic Integration in the Pacific’ (SAFE Pacific) project.

Implemented by the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division, the project aims to support Pacific MSMEs with capacity building and increased access to local and international markets.

“These grants are poised to empower Pacific MSMEs and strengthen the agricultural landscape, particularly in this time of recovery after the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s important to recognise the role of MSMEs as the backbone of our economy, fostering job creation, driving innovation, and economic growth,” said Director of SPC’s Land Resources Division, Karen Mapusua.

The SAFE Pacific project is working with four commodities, mainly coconut, coffee, kava, and turmeric.

The twelve MSMEs include Prasad’s Agricultural Services, also known as Farm Boy (Fiji); African Pacific Vanuatu Ltd; Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands Ltd; Ariana Trading (Tonga); Satuala Development (Samoa); Sione Matangi (Tonga); Bula Coffee (Fiji); Solomon Organic Kava (Solomon Islands); Alpha Coffee (PNG); Vanuatu Basket (Vanuatu); ACTIV Association (Vanuatu); and Sunshine Pacific (Samoa).

“We’re grateful for the opportunity and committed to making the most of it. With this support, we’re poised to make a lasting impact in our industry and contribute significantly to the local economy,” said Farm Boy’s Kamlesh Prasad.

SPC will work closely with the grantees and provide capacity-building support to improve compliance with international standards, equipment, training opportunities, and facilitate participation at trade shows.

“These partnerships and support will empower local businesses, enhance infrastructure, and create sustainable pathways for prosperity,” said Mapusua.