By JOHN FRED
CHAIRMAN and Founder of City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Sir Mahesh Patel OBE has encouraged participants of the NCD Youth Summit and Expo to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the future.
Sir Patel, who has served Papua New Guinea for nearly four decades as a successful businessman and entrepreneur, shared his journey of leaving his parents in Fiji as a 24-year-old pharmacist to start a new life in PNG.
Seeing the lack of primary healthcare, the challenges people from villages faced in understanding medication, and inadequate infrastructure motivated him to become an entrepreneur.
“A journey that is challenging, yet rewarding, and to envision a landscape where innovation and determination can create limitless opportunities,” Sir Patel said.
He urged the 200 youth participants from Port Moresby Northeast, Northwest, Moresby South, and Motu Koita to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.
Sir Patel also discussed the challenges entrepreneurs face, including extensive market research, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and dealing with significant capital investments.
He noted the importance of digital transformation as a leading resource in the world of entrepreneurship.
“Today, while these challenges still exist, technology has democratized entrepreneurship. With just a smartphone and internet access, anyone can reach a global audience. The rise of digital platforms, e-commerce, and social media has lowered barriers to entry,” Sir Patel explained.
Sir Patel also encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to be courageous, confident, and committed to their goals, emphasizing the importance of effort and determination in achieving success.
