Over 1,000 jobs will be created and 12,000 poor households will have increased income with the implementation of a development program by AusAID.

The Market Development Facility (MDF) was launched last night by the Acting Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Glen Miles.

The $11 million investment by AusAID is expected to run over the next six years and according to Miles – it will not be easy.

This is no small challenge given the current business environment, lack of foreign investment and access to affordable commercial finance. It is a challenge the MDF cannot tackle on its own. Quite the contrary – it is actually the private sector that must lead this effort.

The initial focus of the program is on tourism, agro-exports and horticulture