MEMBERS of Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC) formally presented their detailed roadmap of achieving $2billion worth of trade with New Zealand by 2030 to the Governments of Fiji and New Zealand yesterday morning at the Novotel in Lami.
The trade target was initially agreed upon by the Prime Ministers of Fiji and New Zealand in a state visit last year as a way to strengthen the bilateral relationships between the two countries.
Receiving the documents on behalf of Government was Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica who said the handover was a commitment to a shared economic vision between Fiji and New Zealand.
“Today, I want to speak about opportunity, balance and ambition,” he said.
“The opportunity to rebalance trade between our two countries.
“The role of strategic investment in facilitating trade and the roadmap that we will embark on with the official launching of the $2billion strategy for a modern, resilient and inclusive economy,” Mr Kamikamica said.
Representing the New Zealand government was New Zealand’s Minister for Women and Associate Minister for Trade Nicola Grigg.
She acknowledged the FNZBC’s hard work in strengthening business relations between Fiji and New Zealand.
“We know that our economic recovery will be led by our businesses, so I acknowledge the work you put into this Council.
“Regarding the target set by our Prime Ministers, our current figured are currently sitting at $1.4billion, so we only need to grow another $600Million in the next five years.
“With the current work carried out, I am certain we can achieve that,” she said.
She later pointed out that businesses in both countries would also need relevant ideas, innovation and the drive to reach the “lofty” $2b target.
FNZBC president James Trusler told this newspaper the roadmap included recommendations made by the council and its members towards achieving the trade target.
He said following the target, Government had challenged the council to create suggestions and on how the target can be achieved.
“I am standing here today to officially present that document.”
“And I acknowledge everyone that made this roadmap possible including Government for working with private sectors to reach this target,” Mr Trusler said.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 19, 2025
