THE re-establishment of a New Zealand Trade office in Fiji in 2020 after an absence of 10 years was timely, as it helped bump up bilateral trade between the two countries.
Outgoing New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner Pacific David Dewar highlighted this in an interview with this newspaper during his farewell gathering organised by the Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC) in Suva on Thursday.
Under Mr Dewar’s stewardship, the two-way trade between New Zealand and Fiji climbed from around $1 billion to $1.4b and the new target of $2b by 2030, jointly set by both countries’ Prime Ministers last year, now seems well within reach.
“I’m incredibly proud of the growth we’ve seen,” Mr Dewar said.
“My role was to reopen New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s office here in Fiji after more than a decade of absence.
“That alone was a crucial step. From there, it was about rebuilding trust, partnerships and real business opportunities.”
Based in Fiji, Mr Dewar travelled extensively across Fiji and recently spent time in the West during the Fiji Tourism Super Week, observing firsthand the innovation emerging across the tourism and business sectors.
“Tourism has bounced back with incredible strength.
“But beyond that, there’s been exciting progress in agribusiness, manufacturing, tech and services.
“Fiji has proven it’s not just a destination—it’s a dynamic, world-class economy,” he said.
Mr Dewar said much of this trade momentum has been anchored by the FNZBC, which he described as the “largest and most engaged bilateral business network in Fiji”.
With nearly 200 member businesses, FNZBC has supported the growing tide of trade and investment between the two nations.
“FNZBC has been my family here,” Mr Dewar said.
“They’ve welcomed New Zealand businesses with open arms and helped build a vibrant ecosystem where trade thrives and investment follows.”
For the outgoing trade commissioner, accomplishments are not measured in statistics alone, but in the strength of relationships and the promise of shared growth.
“What I’m proud of isn’t just what I’ve done—it’s what Fijian and New Zealand businesses are doing together.
“If I’ve played a part in connecting the right people and helping open doors, then I’ve done my job.”
As he prepares to hand over the reins, Mr Dewar leaves behind a simple yet powerful advice to his successor.
“Get out there. Talk to as many people and businesses as you can. Learn from them. There’s so much potential in this country—it’s just waiting to be unlocked.”
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated May 10, 2025
