As the second-most populous country in the Pacific Islands, Fiji is a regional leader and home to several regional bodies. Over the years, Fiji has led vital efforts to foster greater economic development and cooperation among the Pacific Island countries.
However, Fijian democracy remains fragile, and its economy is overly dependent on too few industries. A common challenge facing the country’s democratic and economic trajectories is the lack of opportunities and platforms for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to voice their concerns and participate in public policy-making. There is no formal business association or chamber representing SMEs in Fiji, even though they employ 60 percent of the country’s labor force and contribute to 18 percent of its gross domestic product.
By forming business associations and chambers, business voices historically relegated to the margins of government decision-making can advocate on behalf of their members and petition the government for a redress of grievances. These are critical elements of stable democratic societies across the globe. As a leader in a region of growing geopolitical importance, Fiji is a strategic and opportune entry point into the Pacific Island countries for such activities.
To democratize opportunities for private sector advocacy and broaden Fiji’s democratic base, CIPE is partnering with the Fiji SME Business Organization (FSBON) to help it grow as a capable grassroots business organization for SMEs and influence policy-making decisions. Chaired by a Fijian woman and small business owner, FSBON will become the first organization representing the needs of SMEs in the country. Additionally, CIPE is partnering with the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO), an umbrella group comprised of 14 Pacific Island countries that seeks to facilitate private sector-driven economic growth for the benefit of the region. Headquartered in Fiji, CIPE is working with PIPSO as it rebuilds its capacity following the border closures from COVID-19 and endeavors to develop women entrepreneurs across the Pacific.
As the international affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CIPE provides world-leading capacity-building assistance and access to resources to help its Fijian and Pacific Island partners better represent and advance the interests of their constituencies in public-private dialogue.
