IN a collaboration set to transform Fiji’s e-commerce landscape, Vodafone Fiji’s homegrown online marketplace, VitiKart, has partnered with courier service DHL Fiji to launch an international shipping option for local sellers.
This strategic partnership aims to unlock global markets for Fiji’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), offering them wider access to customers beyond Fiji.
In an interview with this newspaper, country manager for DHL Fiji and the Pacific Sarvesh Devan said the collaboration between VitiKart and DHL has been in the works for over a year.
“Both VitiKart and DHL have been working on this partnership for at least a year,” Mr Devan said.
“Logistics plays a very important role in cross-border trading, and with DHL’s global reach, we have come together to provide this service—not only for VitiKart but for other MSMEs across Fiji.”
He said DHL’s involvement goes beyond a typical partnership; it represents a commitment to enabling Fiji’s entrepreneurs grow internationally.
“We’re very excited and look forward to many SMEs coming onboard to sell their products across Fiji and abroad,” he said.
For VitiKart’s parent company Vodafone Fiji, the partnership is a significant milestone for VitiKart’s mission.
“We have been admiring DHL’s global logistics expertise for a long time,” Vodafone’s head of Brands, Marketing and Digital Saleshni Chand said.
“This partnership represents a major achievement not just for the relationship between Vodafone and DHL but for our MSME sector.
“We see a lot of potential for these businesses to grow and reach wider audiences.”
Ms Chand said the VitiKart platform currently hosts 116 MSMEs, a number they aim to expand significantly with the launch of international shipping.
She said the partnership is a joint effort aimed at unlocking new opportunities for these local sellers.
“We have been working closely with our MSMEs, and this service with DHL is a big step forward for them,” she said.
Until now, VitiKart’s usual delivery partners focused mainly on domestic shipping within Fiji.
The DHL partnership marks the platform’s first official venture into international logistics.
“This is the first time VitiKart is venturing into international shipping,” Ms Chand confirmed.
With DHL’s global infrastructure, VitiKart users can now ship orders internationally with greater ease and confidence as DHL brings its worldwide brand reputation, offering the safety, security and reliability that customers expect when shopping across borders.
A common concern among e-commerce buyers is the reliability of delivery and receiving orders intact.
Ms Chand said while VitiKart has not had major issues or complaints, customers often voice a desire for more dependable services.
“It’s not just related to VitiKart but a general business concern,” she said.
Mr Devan outlined how DHL’s systems would address this concern.
“DHL provides real-time visibility from the moment a shipment is picked up until it reaches the customer.
“Customers can track their packages live, including updates on customs clearance and delivery status.
“This transparency gives customers a higher comfort level knowing their shipment is safe and, on its way,” he said noting that DHL’s global brand reputation inspired trust towards traders.
“When customers see DHL as the carrier, they feel reassured about the safety and security of their items,” he said.
While DHL guarantees a high standard of service, the transit times depend largely on the destination.
For example, shipping from Fiji to Australia typically takes between three to five days while deliveries to Europe or far-flung destinations require more transit time, and customs clearance can sometimes cause delays.
“We work closely with VitiKart and the merchants to ensure all necessary paperwork is prepared and accompanies the shipment,” Mr Devan said.
“This collaboration helps minimise customs challenges and ensures smoother deliveries.”
Both DHL and VitiKart stressed that customers also play a critical role in successful delivery outcomes.
“Accurate delivery details —including address, postcode, phone number and email—are essential.
“Once a shipment is picked up, an automated email with tracking information is sent to the recipient.
“If the delivery details are incorrect, it can cause delays or delivery failures.
“So, it’s very important for customers provide accurate information to ensure timely service,” Mr Devan said.
This new international shipping option is more than a logistical upgrade for VitiKart—it represents a strategic push to elevate Fiji’s MSMEs onto the global stage.
With 116 MSMEs currently active on the platform, Vodafone Fiji and DHL are optimistic about the partnership’s potential to grow this number and boost the country’s digital economy.
“This partnership is about empowering Fiji’s entrepreneurs to expand their reach beyond our shores, providing them the tools and logistics support they need to succeed internationally.
“Together with DHL, we are committed to supporting our MSMEs and ensuring they thrive in the digital economy,” Ms Chand said.
“This is just the beginning of many more opportunities ahead.”
