Trade between Fiji and New Zealand has increased to NZ$1.39 billion (F$1.89 billion) as of the March quarter this year. David Dewar, New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to the Pacific in Fiji, announced this growth at the Fiji-NZ Business Council cocktail event held in Suva on Wednesday. This marks a significant milestone for Fiji, as exports to New Zealand have surpassed NZ$500 million for the first time.
During this period, Fijian exports rose sharply, reaching NZ$523 million (F$712.7 million) for the year leading up to March. Dewar praised the collective efforts of businesses represented in the room, highlighting their contribution to this trade surge.
He expressed optimism about upcoming trade figures, predicting strong results for the next quarter. Despite acknowledging low travel periods to Fiji, he remains hopeful about the trade relationship between the two nations, noting the number of investment and development projects that could lead to increased collaboration between New Zealand and Fijian companies.
Dewar mentioned that Fiji experienced significant visitor arrivals, with 98,332 visitors in July, including 27,676 from New Zealand. He emphasized that trade remains robust and that there are numerous opportunities for further growth, as many New Zealand businesses continue to explore potential ventures in Fiji.
Tourism and travel services are major components of Fiji’s exports to New Zealand, alongside other products like cane sugar, bottled water, fish, wood, and gold.