A delegation of 20 members from Fiji, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, is embarking on a significant trade and investment mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG) next week. This initiative, organized by Investment Fiji in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, aims to strengthen economic ties and explore new business opportunities between the two nations.
Kamikamica expressed enthusiasm about the mission, viewing it as a pivotal chance for Fiji to engage with the dynamic PNG market. The recent opening of Fiji’s High Commission in PNG, coupled with the revival of the Fiji-PNG Business Council, underscores a renewed commitment to enhancing the partnership between the two countries. The delegation will consist of government officials, business leaders, and representatives from the private sector, participating in business forums and networking events scheduled in Port Moresby.
Spanning from March 24 to March 27, the four-day mission will focus on crucial sectors such as agriculture, tourism, information communication technology (ICT), and manufacturing. The delegation aims to identify approximately 20 viable investment and trade opportunities, potentially amounting to FJ$100 million. Additional discussions will explore the possibility of dual listings for selected companies on both the Fiji South Pacific Stock Exchange and the PNG Stock Exchange.
Kamal Chetty, the Chief Executive of Investment Fiji, noted that this mission is poised to not only bolster Fiji’s profile in PNG but also enhance positive media exposure regarding Fiji’s investment landscape and tourism potential. Chetty stated, “We recognize the vast opportunities that exist in PNG, and we are committed to exploring avenues for further cooperation.”
This mission is designed to establish a framework for ongoing bilateral efforts, promoting regular business forums and information exchange. As Fiji and PNG work toward deepening their economic collaboration, this endeavor holds the promise of creating favorable outcomes and fostering growth for both nations.
The backdrop of this initiative includes recent remarks from PNG’s acting high commissioner to Fiji, Bill Olmi, who pointed out concerns regarding the trade relationship imbalance between the two countries, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation. The resurgence of the Fiji-PNG Business Council has been identified as a key element in improving economic collaboration, highlighting the shared opportunities for both nations.
Overall, this trade mission represents a hopeful step toward strengthening the economic relationship between Fiji and PNG, potentially leading to sustainable growth and improved trade interconnections that can greatly benefit both nations in the future.
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