KAVA was the single highest earning commodity in Fiji’s exports to Australia and New Zealand in the first half of last year, said Fiji’s Trade Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand Daniel Stow.
Speaking to participants at a targeted export workshop in Suva yesterday, Mr Stow encouraged local businesses to seek out opportunities presented by global uncertainties and reminded them that the export sector had the potential to unlock further economic development, diversification and resilience.
“Commercial agriculture has immense potential in Fiji and continuing to promote and attract investment in this sector remains crucial in developing and unlocking further export opportunities and increasing volumes, particularly in terms of addressing issues such as ensuring quality and consistency of supply,” he said.
“Australia and New Zealand together make up nearly two-thirds of all overseas arrivals into Fiji and these strong people-to-people ties now pave the way for even greater levels of business-to-business connections.
“In first half of 2024, Fiji’s agricultural exports exceeded $385m with kava emerging as the single highest earning commodity at nearly $22m — an increase of over 20per cent from the previous year.
“Values of fresh and chilled agricultural exports also increased by over 27per cent over the same period, reaching $38.2m,” Mr Stow said
The workshop was organised by Investment Fiji in collaboration with the Fiji Consulate General & Trade Commission Australia and New Zealand and is based on insights gained from the Exporter
Training Needs Assessment carried out earlier this year.
Investment Fiji chief executive officer, Kamal Chetty emphasized the workshop was integral to exporters, particularly those who were ready to export or expanding their market reach internationally.
“It offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge and connect directly with trade professionals who understand the nuances of global markets,” he said.
“At Investment Fiji, we want to ensure that every business, no matter its size, is equipped with the tools and confidence to reach beyond Fiji’s borders and tap into the global markets.”
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated April 29, 2025
