Two representatives from the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) returned from a regional Business Link Pacific (BLP) workshop held in Fiji, bringing back invaluable insights on enhancing the support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They were also honoured with a prestigious award during the event.
Ms. Adelle Auhava and Mrs. Daisy Moses represented CEFI at the two-day workshop, which took place from 11 to 13 March in Nadi, Fiji.
The gathering brought together 14 Business Service Managers from various Pacific island nations and seven executives from New Zealand-based BLP partners. This was the first in-person meeting of Business Service Managers since the BLP programme’s launch in 2017.
The workshop culminated in an awards ceremony recognising the contributions of private sector organisations (PSOs) and individuals advancing the BLP initiative.
CEFI was awarded for its partnership with the BLP programme, while Ms. Auhava received the Networking Award for her efforts in fostering strong collaborations among SMEs, financial institutions, and programme partners.
“Receiving this recognition underscores the vital work being done in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to support SME growth and financial inclusion,” Ms. Auhava commented after the event.
CEFI’s Acting Executive Director, Mr. Peter Samuel, congratulated Ms. Auhava and Mrs. Moses for their exemplary representation of CEFI and PNG at the regional workshop.
“This recognition reflects the increasing role that CEFI plays in bolstering SME development and financial inclusion within the country. The insights gained from the Fiji workshop would enhance programme implementation in Papua New Guinea, providing further opportunities for local SMEs to thrive in a competitive landscape,” Mr. Samuel stated.
Mr. Samuel commended representatives from financial institutions that helped facilitate concessional loans for SMEs, stating that such partnerships are crucial for ensuring access to essential capital.
“The programme positively impacts lives by enhancing business operations and opening funding avenues for SMEs,” Mr. Samuel said.
Mr. Samuel acknowledge, Daisy for her contributions, which have notably increased the volume of SME assessments and programme activities in recent months.
The workshop’s agenda included site visits to businesses currently benefiting from the BLP programme, enabling participants to witness first-hand the financial support and advisory services being provided.
“One of the organisations we visited is a specialised financial institution exclusively supporting sugarcane growers in Fiji,” Ms. Auhava reported.
“Targeted financing models like this could offer valuable insights to other Pacific nations seeking to enhance agricultural value chains,” she added.
In addition to field visits, the workshop provided refresher sessions on core BLP components, including access to concessional loans, marketing strategies, and business diagnostic tools.
Participants exchanged experiences and discussed methods for improving programme delivery.
“Networking and sharing insights from our regions were incredibly valuable,” Ms. Auhava added. “This exchange of knowledge will surely benefit our approach back here in our country.”
CEFI plays a important role in the BLP initiative, connecting SMEs with vital resources.
Ms. Auhava further stated that businesses participating in the programme undergo diagnostic assessments to highlight areas for operational enhancement. Following this, they can access advisory services and apply for grants to facilitate growth.
“Among the new initiatives introduced during the workshop was the extension of the BLP Programme in Mt. Hagen Western Highlands Province which will be managed by the Western Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry that will be designed to provide additional financial backing and Business Advisory Services to the business community not only in Mt. Hagen but the Highlands Region in PNG who are aiming to scale operations. The BLP programme also continues to offer subsidies for advisory services, enabling SMEs to access professional support in financial management and business development,” she said.
The workshop witnessed participation from nine Pacific nations Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Niue and the Cook Islands.
Papua New Guinea having the largest representation, further emphasising the significance of the programme in the country’s SME development efforts.
Ends.
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About CEFI
CEFI was established under the Association Incorporation Act and officially launched on the 24th of April 2013. CEFI was endorsed by PNG’s National Executive Council (NEC) as the industry apex organization for coordinating, advocating and moniotoring all financial inclusion activities in PNG.
CEFI’s vision, mission and values focus on financial inclusion and literacy, poverty elimination and the promotion of vibrant financial institutional operation in Papua New Guinea.
Visit our website – www.thecefi.org
Media Contact:
Mr. Leslie Omaro
Communication Officer
Phone: 7464 5678
Email: lomaro@thecefi.org
