$27.8m in Fiji export deals over 2021: PTI Australia

Close to 400 businesses in Fiji were assisted by Pacific Trade Invest in 2021, an annual report has revealed.

The businesses, across various sectors, were assisted through exports and investments.

The Pacific Trade Invest’s 2021 annual report said it facilitated over FJ$27.8 million in exports and FJ$21 million in investments, in a move to significantly support Fijian businesses on the road to recovery.

Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia,an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, facilitated in more than FJ$41.77 million in export deals for the region.

It also facilitated in 17 investment deals in the region, despite the challenging environment.

PTI Australia’s Trade and Investment Commissioner, Caleb Jarvis, said despite an arduous environment of severe trade and investment constraints, the organisation supported 975 businesses, across 16 Pacific nations.

In Fiji

In Fiji, the organisation connected various Fijian businesses to potential buyers and distributors in

Australia, in the fields of:

- agriculture,

- commercial sports,

- skincare,

- seafood,

- frozen root crops, and

- food and beverage.

PTI Australia also facilitated in:-

- e-commerce marketplaces,

- supported manufacturers,

- led investment missions,

- sponsored partners events and promotional efforts, and

- ran multiple high-value digital workshops.

Adaptability in shifting platforms

Mr Jarvis commended the levels of adaptability adopted by the PTI Australia team in facilitating with trade, investment, tourism, and labour

mobility programmes.

This, particularly as the platform shifted between physical, virtual and hybrid formats, while Australia and the Blue Pacific moved in and out of various lockdowns.

“Collaborating with our global PTI network and 27 partners allowed us to deliver FJ$42.11 million in exports, and FJ$22.75 million in investments across the year,” Mr Jarvis said.

Digital development

Investing in and accelerating regional digital development and capacity building played a significant part in the agency’s work, he said.

“2021 saw us continue to invest in regional digital development, to support businesses across the Blue Pacific, to navigate the new conditions

brought about by the pandemic,” Mr Jarvis said.

“Throughout the year, we delivered 38 online workshops to help Pacific businesses participate more in the digital economy, launched our PTI Australia x Canva Digital Design Programme, a first in the region, and refined our e-Commerce connector series.

“Continually understanding the realities for the Pacific’s private sector has also been essential during this period.”

Keeping Informed

Through the PTI Network’s regular PTI Pacific Business Monitor survey series, the organisation ensured nations, agencies and partners were kept informed with data.

Funded by the Australian Government, it facilitates trade and investment in the Pacific Islands.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj