Fiji has positioned itself as an attractive destination for investors looking to explore opportunities in food processing, agritech, and logistics. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, made this announcement during the opening of the three-day Fiji Business Mission forum at the Novotel Hotel Lami Bay.
Kamikamica highlighted the government’s ambition to boost bilateral trade between Fiji and New Zealand to $2 billion by 2030, stressing significant potential in agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. He pointed out Fiji’s natural advantages, including fertile land and adequate rainfall, which support agricultural endeavors and the country’s goal to transform its agricultural exports from raw goods to processed products.
“We need partners to invest in cold chain logistics – chillers, storage, and packhouses – to help maintain quality from farm to port,” Kamikamica stated, underscoring existing supply chain gaps that New Zealand companies can help address. He urged potential investors to consider joint ventures, specifically in processing local crops like cassava, pineapples, and breadfruit into various forms, allowing for increased export competitiveness.
The economic backdrop reflects positive growth in trade relations between Fiji and New Zealand, with last year’s two-way trade surpassing $1.15 billion, showcasing a recovery and renewed business confidence post-pandemic. As Fijian goods, including taro and skincare products, make their way onto New Zealand store shelves, both nations are strengthening their economic and cultural ties.
Investment Fiji’s CEO, Kamal Chetty, commended the forum for bringing key stakeholders together, enhancing collaborative efforts to stimulate investment and trade between the two countries. He noted ongoing engagement, with about 40 investment leads from New Zealand being explored across diverse sectors like services, manufacturing, and tourism.
Overall, the optimistic outreach from Fiji toward New Zealand investors signals a hopeful future for both nations, aimed at fostering economic partnerships that benefit local communities and enhance trade relations.
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