A Fijian trade mission led by the Fiji Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fiji AMA) will be in Auckland from April 13 to 17.

The delegation consists of six exporters who are members of the Fiji Marketing Authority, but more could be expected to join.

The group plans to meet with distributors, buyers and visit retail outlets where the products could be sold.

Top of the agenda is exploring markets for virgin coconut oil (VCO), pink taro and other root crops, handicrafts and kava.

Fiji AMA has an established VCO buyer in Christchurch and is currently negotiating a sales agreement with a kava importer in Auckland.

The visitors will meet with these importers to discuss current contractual arrangements and follow up.

Pacific Islands Trade & Invest (PT&I) Trade Development manager Mona Mato is assisting the delegation and has developed a strong working relationship with Fiji AMA.

Earlier, he facilitated a deal between Fiji AMA and a New Zealand VCO buyer.

The VCO deal started with an initial supply of 1 tonne of processed coconut oil, followed successfully by a second order for 2 tonnes of oil.

And recently Mr Mato was able to call on Fiji AMA to bridge the gap for the New Zealand buyer with a supply of VCO, when Cyclone Pam affected a shipment from Vanuatu.

He is also helping facilitate negotiations of the sales agreement between Fiji AMA and the New Zealand kava buyer.

Trade figures

Fiji is New Zealand’s largest trading partner in the Pacific.

In 2014, New Zealand exports to Fiji were valued at NZ$361 million (FJ$563 million) while NZ$58 million (FJ$90 million) of imports came from Fiji.

The total two-way trade for the year ending August was NZ$420 million (FJ$656 million) according to Statistics New Zealand.

Following elections last year, the new Fijian Government has actively encouraged more international investors to help build the country’s infrastructure, commercial manufacturing, industrial and property sectors amongst others.

The New Zealand Fiji Business Council, Fiji High Commission and Pacific Islands Trade & Invest will undertake a trade mission to Fiji in May.