SPEECH: SAILESHNI CHAND – HEAD OF BRANDS AND MARKETING

 WEDNESDAY, 9^th JULY 2025

VITIKART & DHL INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ANNOUNCEMENT

Country Manager, Fiji & Pacific Islands for DHL, Mr. Sarvesh Devan, and the DHL Team, 
Invited guests,
Members of the Media,

Good morning, everyone, thank you for joining us, as we launch the partnership between VitiKart, Vodafone’s dynamic digital marketplace, and DHL, a global leader in international shipping and logistics.

This collaboration is set to elevate the e-commerce and logistics landscape for Fiji and the wider region. Today, is a significant leap forward, empowering local businesses and fostering a more connected, prosperous future for all.

This partnership, will be a game changer for MSMEs, as we empower them to reach a wider customer base. These businesses have often been held back by the complexities of international shipping.  Think high costs, tricky customs and unreliable delivery – this partnership tackles those exact problems head-on.

By integrating DHL's world-class shipping services directly into the Vitikart platform, we are giving MSMEs convenience and efficiency. Imagine a local artisan in Suva effortlessly shipping their handcrafted goods to a customer in Sydney or London with just a few clicks. This seamless process will save valuable time and resources, letting MSMEs focus on what they do best: creating high-quality products. It is a perfect blend of seamless integration and efficiency.

Building trust and confidence is fundamental to any successful business. Our partnership provides a strong foundation for MSMEs in their dealings with international customers by ensuring reliability, speed and security.

Our primary goal is to eliminate the uncertainty often linked with cross-border trade, making it a more appealing and accessible path for growth. We are equipping MSMEs with the essential tools and infrastructure to compete globally, open up new revenue opportunities and encourage economic diversification.

Ladies and gentlemen, this partnership will convert the world into a marketplace for Fijian MSMEs. With DHL's extensive global network and VitiKart's 116 live MSMEs, we can reach millions of potential customers in practically every corner of the globe.

I believe success is best when shared. That is why Vodafone Fiji, alongside DHL, is here to connect Fijian-Made products with a worldwide audience.

We want to continue helping small and medium-sized businesses diversify their customer base and reduce their dependence on any single market. This, in turn, builds a more resilient local economy and fosters sustained growth.

As a leading telecommunications provider, we are demonstrating how digital transformation fuels sustainable development. By using technology, we are not only making our processes more efficient but also building a greener supply chain. We are committed to a future where businesses grow while significantly reducing their environmental impact.

This is not a short-term initiative; it is a crucial step in establishing a lasting and thriving e-commerce environment in Fiji. VitiKart and DHL are dedicated to collaborating closely, continuously innovating, improving services, and offering ongoing support to MSMEs, ensuring their sustained success.

Finally, I want to emphasize how crucial a level playing field is for MSMEs to thrive, given the unique obstacles they face. As we move forward, let's continue to create opportunities and make a strong commitment to fostering an environment that unlocks potential for everyone. We are incredibly excited about what's ahead and the vast possibilities this partnership opens up. Thank you.