DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica told those present at the inaugural Fiji-PNG business conference in Nadi yesterday, ”our economy is regaining momentum, driven by record visitor arrivals, renewed investor confidence, and major infrastructure projects already in motion”.
“In the past year alone, Investment Fiji has managed over 127 active investment leads valued at nearly $US3 billion ($F6b),” Mr Kamikamica said.
“We have 27 projects worth $US1billion ($F2b) currently under construction, and another 20 projects, valued at US$ 1.6 billion ($3.2b)—about to begin.
“Since August 2022, PNG investors have committed $F600,000 in projects here in Fiji, primarily in agriculture and services.”
He said the investment flows between the two countries carried a multiplier effect.
“They stimulate local supply chains, create employment, build skills and generate government revenue that can be reinvested into health, education, and infrastructure.
“Over the next few days, this Forum provides us the perfect platform to deepen that momentum.
“We will connect through government-to-government dialogue, through business-to-business exchanges and through business-to-government engagement.”
Mr Kamikamica said on the trade front, Fiji and Papua New Guinea shared a strong and growing two-way trade relationship, which was valued at $26 million in 2024.
“Fiji exports a wide range of products to PNG, from manufactured goods such as biscuits, garments, and packaging materials.
“At the same time, we import essential commodities and products from PNG, particularly fish, kava and other manufactured items that support our industries and consumers.
“This two-way flow of trade highlights not only the complementarities of our economies but also the opportunities for even deeper collaboration.
“By building on this foundation, we can expand into new areas of investment, joint ventures and regional value chains that benefit both our peoples.”
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated August 22, 2025