Fiji and New Zealand have once again reinforced their enduring partnership through high-level discussions held during the 2025 World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings. The talks focused on enhancing regional cooperation and advancing sustainable development initiatives.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Biman Prasad, along with Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna, engaged with New Zealand’s Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis. They explored significant areas for collaboration, including trade, investment, education, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.
Both nations emphasized the strong bonds of friendship that unite them, which are founded on shared democratic values and a commitment to the unity of the Pacific region. DPM Prasad took the opportunity to update Minister Willis on the progress of Fiji’s newly formed Education Commission, highlighting its objectives to reform the national education system aimed at improving learning outcomes. He expressed a desire for Fiji to leverage New Zealand’s expertise in literacy, numeracy reforms, curriculum development, and teacher training.
Additionally, the ministers addressed potential strategies to enhance agricultural exports through better biosecurity cooperation, and discussed ways to strengthen economic ties under the PACER Plus agreement, which focuses on fostering inclusive growth throughout the region.
The meeting’s conclusion saw both leaders reaffirming their mutual vision for a united, resilient, and prosperous Pacific, building on the shared objectives established in prior discussions. Previous engagements have also underscored an ambitious target of increasing two-way trade to $2 billion by 2030 and simplifying visa processes for Fijians, further deepening connections between the two nations.
This ongoing commitment to collaboration signals a positive outlook for both countries as they work diligently to navigate the complexities of global changes, ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for the Pacific community. As Fiji and New Zealand continue their partnership, they are not only enhancing bilateral ties but also contributing significantly to the broader goals of regional stability and development.
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