Venkat Raman
The Eleventh Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards enunciated the current and emerging business and trade opportunities between New Zealand and Fiji, strengthening the bond that exists between the two countries.
The Government of Fiji was the Major Support Sponsor of these Awards, sponsoring the ‘Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ Category.
The Award was won by Legal Associates Barrister & Solicitor Haseeb Ashraf.
The Awards Ceremony was held on Monday, November 26, 2018 at SkyCity Convention Centre with more than 800 guests who included Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Leader of the Opposition Simon Bridges, Finance Minister Grant Robertson, Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni, Export Growth & Trade Minister David Parker, Police Minister Stuart Nash, Ethnic Communities Minister Jenny Salesa, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Indian High Commissioner Sanjiv Kohli, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr and Fijian Consul General and Trade Commissioner (Australia and New Zealand) Zarak Khan, many top officials of ministries, government departments and leading businesspersons and professionals.
Appropriate Sponsorship
“Fiji has an extremely youthful population with 50% of our people less than 27 years of age. With free education, the literacy rate is on the rise. We have the University of the South Pacific, an internationally renowned institution. The government is providing incentives to our young people to become entrepreneurs and boost growth and production. It is therefore appropriate that we sponsor the ‘Best Young Entrepreneur’ category,” Mr Khan said.
Opportunity to visit
The event provided an opportunity for Fiji to promote Fijian Made products and encourage award recipients to visit Fiji and share their insights and experiences to support entrepreneurship in Fiji as well as Fijian Government initiatives such as the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES).
The Fiji Trade Commission had an exhibition booth at the Awards venue exhibited at the event to demonstrate to Kiwis the high quality of products that are manufactured in Fiji including several brands under the Fijian Made banner.
Fijian products including from Fiji Spice Queen, Bula Coffee and Fiji Coffee. Fiji Water, Pure Fiji, and Cacao Fiji, a premium chocolate brand, were given to some guests to sample.
Vinod Patel Group Honoured
The Vinod Patel Group, which has a wide presence in Fiji, Australia and New Zealand was honoured at the Awards Ceremony, yet another highlight of the event.
Daksesh Patel, the Group’s Executive Chairman and son of Founder Vinod Patel, received the Dr Robert Lateef Khan (Senior) Commemorative Award sponsored by Indian Newslink.
Radio Tarana Managing Director & Chief Executive Robert Khan presented the Award along with Ms Ardern.
About the Award
This Commemorative Award is presented to a company or individual excelling in Management principles of ethics, growth, staff advancement and social responsibility with good governance at its core.
The late Dr Khan raised the debate on goodness among humans and believed that individual talent can be harnessed for collective benefit provided that such talent was allowed to flourish freely. He believed in self-dependence, self-governance and self-discipline.
The Vinod Patel Group, with its well-established offices throughout Fiji, New Zealand and Australia is a good example of good governance. Dr Khan would have been pleased that Mr Vinod Patel, Founder of the Group is being honoured for his distinguished services to the business community and the society.
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Photo Caption:
- Robert Khan speaking about the ‘Dr Robert Lateef Khan (Senior) Commemorative Award’
- Robert Khan introducing Daksesh Patel, Executive Chairman, Vinod Patel Group (Fiji, New Zealand and Australia) to Jacinda Ardern at the Awards
- Zarak Khan, India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Sanjiv Kohli and Jenny Salesa with Haseeb Ashraf, Winner of the ‘Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.’
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