Fiji-NZ Pledge to Boost Trade to $2 billion by 2030

The two-way trade between Fiji and New Zealand has grown by more than 38 percent in the past year, to NZ$1.36b.

This is expected to grow $2billion by 2030.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged this following New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to Fiji in the past week.

“Fiji’s exports to New Zealand have grown even more impressively, by 45 percent, to NZD$516 million,” Mr Rabuka said.

“By all measures, these have broken all historical records. It is important to note too, that our trade is spread across a range of sectors, from travel and tourism services through to food and beverage products as well as manufactured goods.”

He said that Fiji is one of New Zealand’s largest global markets for these sectors as some NZ companies have invested in Fiji over the years, creating jobs while also producing some of the world’s greatest goods and services.

This includes iconic brands and companies like Anchor or Fletchers which are household names in Fiji.

“We also note some new players like Douglas Pharmaceuticals making some of the world have most sophisticated nutraceutical products right here in Fiji. Or digital businesses like New Zealand companies such as Streamline one of the forefathers of Fiji’s BPO industry.

Mr Rabuka urged the members that Fiji is the best bet for a guaranteed return on investment under the watch of the Coalition Government.

“New Zealand is also home to a large Fijian diaspora. Their contributions to Fiji through remittances and investments have a positive impact on our economy while at the same time contributing positively to New Zealand’s economy,” he said.

He acknowledged Fijian businesses such as YP Reddy Group who invested in NZ and are now back with their expertise and capital to reinvest in the Fiji economy.

“I want to encourage you to consider local production in Fiji to reduce reliance on imports and mitigate the impacts of supply chain disruptions.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon during the latter’s official visit to Fiji in past week. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Supply chain restrictions

Mr Rabuka added that supply chain disruptions can limit the availability of supplies impacting the overall quality of the tourist experience.

“Such shortages can be met through collaboration with neighboring countries to build more resilient regional supply chains. This Joint Conference will see more opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said to further boost this relationship, the New Zealand government would invest in the heat treatment facility at the Nadi International Airport in a bid to support Fiji produce exporters meeting the biosecurity requirements for New Zealand and Australia.

This is part of a goal set of lifting two-way trade to $2 billion by 2030 between the two countries can further strengthen their partnership.

He said that Fiji is a critical partner for New Zealand and looks to Fiji for its leadership in the Pacific as they share values and interests and work closely together on the challenges confronting in the region.

This includes their joint aspiration to grow the trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

“Fiji exporters are going to have to do a lot of the heavy lifting. We want more of your exports in New Zealand, and New Zealand shelves,” Mr Luxon said.

He added that at the policy level, it is also working very closely to establish the institutional arrangements to grow and train.ys.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj