As New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day, it presents a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the strong and enduring ties between Aotearoa New Zealand and Fiji. The connections of family, friendship, culture, and commerce that bind these two nations have flourished across the Pacific Ocean for centuries.
These bonds are currently showcased by the remarkable pace of trade growth between the two economies. New Zealand’s presence in Fiji is substantial, with representation from eight government agencies, including New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, emphasizing Fiji’s significance to New Zealand’s prosperity and security, as well as its pivotal position as a regional hub in the Pacific.
The Duavata Partnership serves as a robust framework for cooperation, underscoring the belief that economic prosperity and security are interconnected. This integration is already yielding impressive economic outcomes. Since the re-establishment of a resident New Zealand Trade Commission in Suva in 2021, two-way trade has surged at an unprecedented rate, escalating by 159 percent from $542 million to $1.41 billion. The ambitious goal of reaching $2 billion in trade by the year 2030 now appears not only attainable but highly promising.
Over this period, New Zealand’s exports to Fiji have increased by 91 percent, while Fiji’s exports to New Zealand have astonishingly grown over five-fold. This surge in trade has been bolstered by the recovery of tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside diversification into services and higher value sectors. Fiji is emerging as a hub for back-office processing, aviation, and logistics, complemented by growing agricultural collaborations in areas such as greenhouse production, forestry, and orchard development.
The integration of economies and borders is also evident, with over 25 flights per week operating between New Zealand and Fiji. Fiji Airways is enhancing its role as a global transit hub, with Nadi Airport increasingly functioning as an extension of New Zealand’s own borders. This reinforces the vital connections between trade, the movement of people, and security.
The New Zealand-Fiji trade relationship embodies the principle of shared contribution and benefit, continuously fostering prosperity for both nations and their peoples. There remains untapped potential for further growth, and New Zealand businesses are eager to reaffirm their position as Fiji’s partners of choice across various sectors. A promising pipeline of New Zealand companies is actively seeking to invest and collaborate with this beautiful country.
As we reflect on the spirit of cooperation and unity, let us embrace the notion that “He waka eke noa” – we are all in this canoe together. On this Waitangi Day, we extend our warmest wishes and greetings to all.
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