The Fiji-PNG partnership is growing stronger, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica underscoring visible results from the two countries’ collaboration. He spoke during the historic PNG-Fiji Business Forum in Nadi, highlighting how both sides are turning talk into action amid regional integration efforts.
Kamikamica pointed to significant investments by PNG firms in Fiji, including Mineral Resources Development Company, BSP, and Credit Corporation, while Fijian brands such as Vodafone, Jack’s of Fiji, and Prouds are expanding into Papua New Guinea, creating jobs and new opportunities for people on both sides of the border. He noted that Fiji’s capital markets are also forging closer ties with PNG’s financial sector, with the South Pacific Stock Exchange and PNGX Group working together to build more integrated, confidence-fueled markets across the region.
The minister stressed that the gains go beyond numbers. He said the March business mission to PNG already yielded tangible outcomes, with 11 foreign investment leads and 21 trade leads identified. PNG firms indicated strong intent to invest in Fiji, while Fijian companies laid out concrete plans to enter the PNG market. Among the cross-border moves he cited were expansions by Punjas, Paradise Technology, and All Freight Logistics, which are shaping new trade flows and supply chains.
Kamikamica underscored that these developments are not just about capital but about shared confidence in a more integrated Pacific economy. He also highlighted ongoing steps to deepen bilateral collaboration, including the revival of the Fiji-PNG Business Council, the establishment of Fiji’s High Commission in Port Moresby, and ongoing discussions about potentially dual-listing companies on both the Fiji South Pacific Stock Exchange and the PNG Stock Exchange.
Context from recent engagement suggests a notable market opportunity: PNG’s population is around 12.5 million, offering a substantial customer base for Fijian and regional enterprises. Key sectors for collaboration include agriculture, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and more—areas where Fiji’s and PNG’s combined strengths can drive job creation, skills development, and government revenue.
The Nadi forum reaffirmed a practical, results-oriented approach to regional integration. Upbeat assessments point to cross-border investment activity rising as deals move from planning to implementation, with cross-listed listings on regional exchanges as a potential milestone. The momentum signals broader opportunities in sectors spanning health, education, hospitality, and mining-related industries, all backed by a shared Pacific vision.
In short, Fiji and PNG are advancing a cooperative economic future built on dialogue, strategic investment, and market linkages. The ongoing push toward stronger trade and investment ties is expected to bolster regional resilience, expand opportunities for workers, and contribute to sustainable growth across the Pacific.
Key points to watch
– 11 foreign investment leads and 21 trade leads identified during the PNG visit
– PNG firms showing intent to invest in Fiji; Fijian firms outlining entry plans into PNG
– Cross-border activity by Punjas, Paradise Technology, All Freight Logistics, and others
– Closer financial-market ties between SPX and PNGX Group; potential dual-listings on regional exchanges
– Sectors to watch: agriculture, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, health, education
– Revival of the Fiji-PNG Business Council and Fiji’s High Commission in Port Moresby to support ongoing collaboration
Commentary
The renewed tempo of engagement reflects a deliberate strategy to diversify economies, expand regional supply chains, and strengthen resilience against external shocks. By pairing policy dialogue with concrete business opportunities and market integration, Fiji and PNG are illustrating a pragmatic model for Pacific regional development. If sustained, this could translate into more jobs, skills development, and broader economic prosperity across both nations and their communities.
Summary
A high-profile business forum in Nadi showcased how Fiji and PNG are transforming cooperation into real-world outcomes, from cross-border investments and sector-specific collaborations to financial-market integration and strategic dual-listing discussions. The tone is hopeful, and the path ahead envisions broader, tangible benefits for regional growth and shared prosperity.
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