Press Release No 5 –
Microfinance Exposition Promotes Financial Inclusion in Maritime Zone
Press Release No. : 05/2011
Date : 15 March 2011
The Reserve Bank of Fiji will be hosting Microfinance Expos in Savusavu, Taveuni, Koro, Gau and Levuka from the 21_25 March 2011. The intentions of the Expos are to raise awareness and promote greater financial inclusion in Fiji. The Expos will feature different organisations from the private and public sectors, donors, civil society groups and Government ministries. The Expos will generate excitement and a hive of activities in these locations as surrounding villages, schools and microfinance entrepreneurs have all been invited to participate.
The Acting Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Mr. Barry Whiteside said the Expos present an opportunity for people in these areas to meet and gather information from representatives of commercial banks, insurance companies, mobile phone network operators, Government departments, microfinance institutions and donor organisations. The Fiji Revenue Customs Authority and Fiji National Provident Fund will also be participating. It will also give the representatives from the financial sector the opportunity to find out first hand the difficulties faced by those living in these isolated locations.
The contingent of stakeholders and exhibitors are travelling from Suva and will be in Savusavu on Monday 21 March, Taveuni on Tuesday 22 March, Koro on Wednesday 23 March, Gau on Thursday 24 March and Levuka on Friday 25 March. The one day Expo in each of the locations will include displays by the various stakeholders with organised sessions on microfinance, small to medium enterprises, banking services and financial literacy, all aimed at improving the livelihood of the rural and unbanked sectors of the population.