“NOT only does it impart relevant knowledge and skills for effectively entering established markets with our unique Pacific brands, but also teaches us ways to access finance and forge new connections and partnerships with our fellow Pacific sisters.”
Words by Rachel Rahii, one of four Solomon Islands women who joined a four-day Pacific Women in Export Leadership Programme convened in Fiji this week.
The United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP) Pacific Women in Export Leadership Workshop is helping women in senior leadership positions in private companies, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises, to export products internationally.
Diana Yates and Rachel Bennett from Cathliro, Ruby Lee from Solomon Indulgence and Rachel Rahii from Solomon Islands Women in Business Association and Wisdom Enterprise all joined the workshops which support Solomon Islands brilliant women business leaders to drive their exports to the next level in highly competitive and advanced markets.
The workshop provides top-tier mentoring, facilitates peer to peer learning, and drives business collaborations that position participants for high-profile trade opportunities.
By imparting best practices for advanced markets, sharing experiences with peers across industries, and trying out new ideas in a supportive environment, the workshop prepared participants to confidently and knowledgeably confront the key challenges of the export journey while contributing fully to their company’s success.
Participants from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga took part in the four-day programme which covered areas including access to financing for women SME entrepreneurs; activation and execution of marketing and branding strategy and mastering the art of retail shelf listings (UK & Europe).
