NZ business mission brings 37 delegates to Fiji amid record interest

A delegation of 37 New Zealand business leaders has arrived in Fiji this week for a major trade and investment mission aimed at strengthening economic ties and unlocking new business opportunities between the two countries.

The New Zealand Fiji Business Council (NZFBC) is leading the four-day mission from June 15 to 18 under the theme, "Two Billion Reasons for Being Here", reflecting the growing value of trade and commercial links between Fiji and New Zealand.

The mission comes amid record interest from the New Zealand business community, with participation surpassing last year's numbers.

NZFBC president Chandar Sen said the visit was focused on deepening long-standing economic relations while creating new opportunities for collaboration, trade and investment.

"Fiji's strong regional connectivity and expanding market present a compelling case for New Zealand businesses seeking to establish partnerships, expand operations, and contribute expertise and investment to the Pacific region," Mr Sen said.

The delegation will engage with key stakeholders, explore investment opportunities and assess areas where businesses from both countries can work together for mutual benefit.

Sectors of interest include tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, information and communications technology, health, logistics and professional services.

Mr Sen said Fiji remained a strategic partner for New Zealand in the Pacific, and businesses were keen to better understand the country's evolving economy, regulatory environment and areas of innovation.

Reflecting on the strong response to this year's mission, he said interest from New Zealand businesses had continued to grow.

"This surge in participation demonstrates the New Zealand business community's strong confidence, renewed enthusiasm, and desire to actively engage in regional partnerships and diversify their opportunities."

"There is noticeably greater interest from businesses wanting to engage in the Pacific, and it's a sign of the optimism and trust that face-to-face engagement brings to our relationships," Mr Sen said.

"We are encouraged by this year's response and look forward to building on this positive momentum."

Mr Sen said strengthening trusted regional partnerships was increasingly important amid global economic uncertainty.

"This business mission provides a practical platform for businesses and stakeholders to engage directly, identify resilient trade opportunities, and reinforce supply chain partnerships between Fiji and New Zealand."

The NZFBC has organised annual business missions to Fiji since 2012, apart from the COVID-19 years, as part of efforts to strengthen business and trade links between the two countries.