Fiji and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment as trusted Pacific partners to deepen economic cooperation and maximise new opportunities, with an ambitious target of $NZ$2 billion in annual two-way trade by 2030.
This message was conveyed at the New Zealand Fiji Business Council (NZFBC) business mission meeting held in Suva from June 15-18 – based on the theme ‘Two billion reasons for being here’. The mission was officially opened on Monday by Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka, alongside the New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Greg Andrews.
The event brought together business leaders, investors, industry experts, development partners, and government representatives to advance partnerships and expand economic collaboration between Fiji, New Zealand, and the broader Pacific.
In his remarks, Mr Ditoka emphasised Fiji’s readiness to scale up its engagement with New Zealand, highlighting opportunities to expand exports, move up global value chains, and diversify products and services for the New Zealand market.
He said in a rapidly changing and uncertain global economic environment, stronger partnerships were critical, particularly across high-growth sectors such as agribusiness and food systems; renewable energy and climate solutions; tourism and aviation services; digital economy and ICT services; infrastructure, logistics, and construction; and education, skills development, and professional services. Mr Ditoka also highlighted that with ambition to reach $NZ2 billion in two-way trade by 2030, Fiji was undertaking significant reforms to reduce friction in doing business and trading across borders making it easier for the NZ businesses to operate in; while expanding production capacity for export growth supported by consistent, scalable supply from Fiji’s domestic economy.
He also acknowledged the NZFBC for convening the mission, noting its importance in advancing the Duavata partnership, anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and enduring friendship.
Meanwhile, Mr Andrews reaffirmed New Zealand’s strong commitment to achieving the trade target, highlighting PACER Plus as a key mechanism to drive regional integration, boost exports, and unlock investment opportunities.
He said New Zealand looked forward to supporting stronger business engagement with Fiji with opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, agribusiness, digital innovation, education, healthcare, infrastructure and professional services.
Looking ahead, the High Commissioner welcomed continued dialogue at the upcoming joint business councils conference in Nadi.
He said he had confidence that the discussions would further elevate regional cooperation and economic resilience in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
