Exporter of the Year Awards event getting bigger and bigger

Paul Roper... DHL's GM

The Prime Minister's annual Exporter of the Year Awards, organised by the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau (FTIB), is one event more and more businesses and corporate organisations look forward to each year.

Last year, tickets were sold out and this year, the FTIB has had to look for a bigger venue to host the function.

Over the years too, the number of sponsors coming on board to support the event has grown as new categories are included in the awards list.

But in the past 10 years, something that has not changed very much is the involvement of logistics provider DHL Express (Fiji) Ltd as the major sponsorship powerhouse behind what is quickly becoming the country's major business symposium.

This year, the company moved into its new office complex at Raiwai's Garden City, where it will be strengthening its already extensive presence in the Pacific region.

DHL is consolidating its Pacific operations in its new headquarters at Garden City and is optimistic about its business growth in the region.

“We have been the main supporter of the awards for the 10th consecutive year and we do the same for the exporters awards in Australia and New Zealand,” says Paul Roper, DHL's general manager for the Pacific Islands.

As a key stakeholder in export process, DHL is seriously committed to the event and when Roper started his term as chief executive officer 15 months ago, he renewed this commitment with FTIB to continue DHL's sponsorship until 2007, when his contract expires.

“DHL believes it is extremely important that exporters are recognised for the role they play in creating foreign exchange. We feel it is important to reward champion exporters and provide incentives for them to do business. We are happy to help out with what we can,” says Roper.

To support the work it is doing in the region, DHL has spent the past year investing in its new 1000- square metre complex to boost its express ocean and air services. A customs and quarantine officer are based at the new HQ.

DHL is optimistic about its Pacific operation where it has been experiencing double digit growth.