Press Release No 37 –
Microfinance Expo Labasa
Press Release No. : 37/2010
Date : 23 September 2010
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) is organising a two day Microfinance Expo at the Labasa Court House grounds, from Friday 24 September, 2010. The two day event is one stop shop on microfinance for the people of Labasa. Those visiting the Expo will have an opportunity, to meet various stakeholders in the industry from the private and public sectors, including NGOs, and learn about self employment, entrepreneurial training, and the different types of financial services available.
The RBF has been actively promoting microfinance to assist the unbanked in Fiji access appropriate and affordable financial services. The RBF believes that microfinance and the promotion of greater financial inclusion can generate new employment opportunities in the rural areas and improve living standards.
The Governor, Sada Reddy, said “this Expo will provide an opportunity to the people in Labasa to hear directly from service providers such as banks, microfinance institutions, government departments and other financial institutions, on how they can save, manage their finances and start a business”. He further added that access to financial services is a key element in improving the livelihoods of the poor and the unbanked in our communities.
Governor Reddy will open the Expo on Friday morning at the Labasa Court House grounds with the theme “Inspiring Growth through Microfinance”. The Expo is planned to have a carnival atmosphere with entertainment to create a fun day for the families. Governor Reddy has invited all youths and families in the north to make the most of this opportunity.
The Expo will include displays by the various stakeholders. There will be organised sessions on quarantine and food hygiene training, batik, coconut and bamboo handicrafts, fisheries , commercial cooking on microfinance, small to medium enterprises and financial literacy as well as micro-entrepreneurs selling their wares.