Fiji-New Zealand Trade Takes Off: What’s Driving the Surge?

Trade relations between Fiji and New Zealand are showing promising growth, reaching a total trade value of NZ$1.38 billion (approximately F$1.89 billion) as of September 2023. This update was presented by James Trusler, president of the Fiji-New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC), during the council’s 34th annual general meeting. Within this period, New Zealand’s exports to Fiji amounted to NZ$841.92 million, while Fiji exported goods and services worth NZ$533.39 million to New Zealand.

Trusler pointed out that there is an ambitious target set during the Fiji-NZ Business Council conference in Nadi last year, aiming to boost bilateral trade to NZ$2 billion. Following this initiative, Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka proposed creating a structured plan to help achieve this goal, resulting in the establishment of a subcommittee that will work alongside the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council (NZFBC).

This upward trajectory is underscored by Fiji surpassing NZ$500 million in exports to New Zealand as of the March quarter last year. David Dewar, the New Zealand Trade Commissioner to the Pacific, highlighted that this milestone marks a significant enhancement in the economic relationship between the two countries. By September 2023, Fiji’s exports to New Zealand notably reached an impressive NZ$502 million (about F$689 million).

Tourism remains a vital component of these growing economic ties, with Fiji recently welcoming over 1 million visitors, including 70,794 arrivals in January 2024, with 12,373 travelers coming specifically from New Zealand. This robust exchange not only reflects enhanced economic relations but also reinforces the cultural and interpersonal connections between the nations.

During the AGM, several new committee members were elected, including James Trusler as president, alongside Anare Manulevu, Cama Raimuria, Jeetender Rai, Kamal Reddy, Kaushal Tappoo, Mark Hirst, immediate past president Renu Chand, and Tia Punja.

The collaborative efforts between Fiji and New Zealand indicate a hopeful outlook for future trade partnerships. Both nations appear committed to strengthening their economic presence globally, and with their shared objectives and an increasing volume of trade, optimism abounds for the future of Fiji-New Zealand relations.