Fiji’s exports to Papua New Guinea (PNG) have shown resilience, even as there has been a slight decline in recent years, amounting to over FJD $25.3 million (approximately K43.9 million or US$10.93 million) in 2023. Key products exported from Fiji include electric conductors, sweet biscuits, and garments, according to Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. Speaking at a business forum in Port Moresby, Kamikamica, who is also the Minister for Trade, outlined the advantages of this trade relationship, noting that Fijian imports from PNG reached FJD $7.9 million (about K13.7 million or US$3.41 million) last year.
Kamikamica pointed to the potential for significant growth in trade, supported by recent initiatives such as the reopening of Fiji’s High Commission in PNG and a revitalized Fiji-PNG Business Council. He expressed a commitment to enhancing engagement with PNG’s business community, which coincides with a renewed focus on cooperation between the two countries.
Investments from PNG into Fiji have also shown significant promise, with projects valued at FJD $600,000 (approximately K1.04 million or US$259,521) targeting the agriculture and transport sectors. The increasing interest in these opportunities is a positive sign for deepening economic ties, with plans to extend into the coffee industry, including the import of coffee beans from PNG.
Fiji’s businesses are making strides in PNG, with companies like Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) venturing into the ICT market and retail giants such as Jacks and Prouds establishing a strong presence in the PNG retail industry. This underscores a growing demand for quality products and services within PNG and paints a hopeful picture for future collaborations.
The ongoing endeavors to reinforce trade relations between Fiji and PNG highlight a commitment from both nations to foster a robust economic partnership. With encouraging trends in investment and trade, there is potential for further collaborative growth that could contribute to regional stability and prosperity. By implementing strategies to capitalize on these opportunities, both Fiji and PNG could enhance their economic collaborations for a promising future together.
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