Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasizes the significant role that the Fijian community in Tonga can play in enhancing business and investment ties between Fiji and Tonga. In his recent remarks following a trade and investment mission to Tonga, he acknowledged that the approximately 2,000 Fijians residing in Tonga are a crucial yet underutilized asset in Fiji’s regional economic strategy.
Kamikamica noted that this mission was the first of its kind to Tonga in several years. It aligns with Fiji’s goal to increase its exports to Tonga to an ambitious $220 million by 2027. He expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration with the Tonga Business Council during this visit and is hopeful that more structured engagement will emerge between businesses in both countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the diaspora’s capacity to act as “ambassadors” for trade and investment, facilitating connections between Fijian exporters and Tongan markets, thus fostering confidence in the business environment. His comments reflect a broader intention to engage the Fijian community in Tonga in a more organized manner as Fiji seeks to solidify the economic partnership and deepen bilateral relations.
This reinforces a key theme from previous discussions regarding the importance of expanding trade ties. In fact, prior initiatives have seen Fiji exporting goods to Tonga valued at over $161 million last year, signifying Tonga as Fiji’s largest export market in the region. The business mission aims not just at generating leads but also at reinforcing the economic framework through enhanced diplomatic and commercial collaboration.
Overall, this initiative indicates a forward-looking approach to regional economic integration. The renewed focus on strengthening ties signals not only potential for mutual growth but also a commitment to navigating shared challenges and seizing opportunities in the Pacific region. Encouragingly, such collaborations could pave the way for future sustainable development and economic resilience for both nations.
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