Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs, and Communications Manoa Kamikamica will spearhead a trade and investment delegation from Fiji to the Fiji Business Forum 2025, scheduled to take place next week in Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand. This initiative follows a successful visit from a New Zealand trade delegation to Fiji earlier this year, highlighting an ongoing strategic effort to enhance export markets, attract investments, and deepen trade relations between the two nations.
New Zealand remains a vital economic partner for Fiji, being a major source of tourists and remittances and a significant market for Fijian goods such as kava, bottled water, seafood, and garments. Investment Fiji is sending about 40 representatives from sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and services to engage with potential buyers, investors, and trade partners in New Zealand, aiming to create job opportunities and boost exports in Fiji.
Kamal Chetty, the CEO of Investment Fiji, emphasized the commitment of both countries to strengthen their economic relationship and work towards a shared target of achieving a $2 billion trade volume by 2030. As of March 2025, the total two-way trade between Fiji and New Zealand was reported at approximately $1.39 billion. Chetty noted that this upcoming mission reflects Fiji’s readiness for business and its dedication to fostering economic collaboration.
Engaging with the Fijian diaspora in New Zealand is also a key focus for the delegation, as their participation is important for driving economic development in both countries. Chetty expressed optimism, stating that the visit would open doors to new partnerships that would benefit communities and businesses alike, promoting mutual growth.
The Fiji Business Forum 2025 will occur from September 8-12, representing a collaborative effort between several organizations, including the Ministry of Trade, Investment Fiji, the Fiji Trade Commission in Australia and New Zealand, and the Fiji High Commission in New Zealand. The support from Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand and various business councils is also pivotal to the mission.
Encouragingly, previous trade missions and forums have indicated a thriving trajectory for bilateral trade, with opportunities for growth becoming increasingly accessible. There are significant expectations for this upcoming forum to foster enduring partnerships that will leverage skills and resources from both nations, potentially leading to greater economic prosperity.
Moving forward, as Fiji and New Zealand bolster their trade connections, the anticipated outcomes from the Fiji Business Forum and ongoing cooperative efforts serve as a beacon of hope for regional economic resilience and enhanced cultural ties between the two countries.
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