Fijian and Indian businesses have been encouraged to build on their growing trade relationship by pursuing practical partnerships that create jobs, strengthen local industries and open new markets across the Pacific.
Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development Sachida Nand made the call during a networking reception for the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) business delegation at the Holiday Inn in Suva last Friday.
Hosted by the High Commission of India in collaboration with the Suva Retailers Association, the reception brought together business leaders and representatives from both countries following two days of structured meetings between Indian delegates and Fijian businesses.
With bilateral trade between Fiji and India more than doubling over the past five years, attention is now turning towards converting this growth into sustainable investment and business opportunities.
“More than doubling is a good start, not a destination. There is considerable room to grow, and tonight is about how we use it,” Mr Nand said.
He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Fiji and India, rooted in shared history, cultural connections and people-to-people ties dating back to the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in 1879.
However, he emphasised that the strength of this relationship must also be reflected in tangible economic outcomes.
Opportunities for greater collaboration were identified across food and agribusiness, textiles and garments, engineering, manufacturing, packaging, building materials, distribution and retail.
For Fiji’s farmers and producers, stronger partnerships could support food processing, value addition and improved access to markets, while cooperation in manufacturing and engineering could facilitate the transfer of technology, equipment and skills needed to improve productivity.
The importance of retailers was also highlighted, particularly their role in connecting international suppliers and local producers with Fijian consumers.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to private sector development, Mr Nand said efforts would continue to maintain a stable and welcoming investment environment, supported by agencies such as Investment Fiji.
“The private sector drives commerce, and the role of Government is to make it easier for good business to happen,” he said.
Fiji’s position as a gateway to the wider Pacific was also highlighted as an opportunity for Indian businesses seeking to establish a regional presence.
While the reception provided a platform for new commercial connections, Mr Nand stressed that its success would ultimately depend on the commitments made beyond the event.
“A business card exchanged tonight is only a beginning. The real test of this visit will be what happens in the weeks and months after you leave,” he said.
He encouraged Indian delegates to maintain engagement with their Fijian counterparts, while urging local businesses to demonstrate reliability, readiness and ambition in pursuing new opportunities.
The visit is expected to provide a foundation for continued business engagement, with the potential to translate commercial discussions into agreements, investment, increased trade and employment opportunities that benefit both countries.
Guests during the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) networking reception at the Holiday Inn in Suva last Friday. Picture: SUPPLIED
Assistant Minister for Commerce and Business Development Sachida Nand. Picture: SUPPLIED
