The Fiji-Papua New Guinea Business Council has relaunched its operations and commenced a renewed membership drive as it marks a new chapter in strengthening business, investment and commercial relations between the two Pacific neighbours.
Fiji PNG Business Council interim chairperson Laisa Digitaki said the relaunch came at an important time for both countries.
“Fiji and Papua New Guinea are two significant economies within the Pacific and there is considerable scope for us to deepen the commercial relationship between our countries,” Ms Digitaki said.
“Our intention is to rebuild the council as a practical and active business platform, connecting businesses, identifying investment opportunities, facilitating commercial relationships and creating stronger links between the private sectors of Fiji and Papua New Guinea.”
Ms Digitaki said the council would also seek to work closely with governments, investment agencies, diplomatic missions, business organisations and the wider private sector of both countries.
“We want the council to become a place where businesses can connect, share information, identify opportunities and importantly, turn those opportunities into actual trade and investment.”
She said their renewed membership drive would encourage participants from Fiji companies already operating in PNG, PNG businesses with interests in Fiji, and also companies and entrepreneurs seeking to explore opportunities between the two markets.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce Manoa Kamikamica said the set up of the council was “very timely”.
Mr Kamikamica likened PNG as the next Dubai for the Pacific saying that was the scale and potential of the country.
“For those countries in the Pacific that choose to ignore the emergency of PNG as a formidable economic power in this part of the world, they will do it at their peril,” the DPM said.
The council also introduced its new interim board members at the relaunch and membership drive cocktail held at The Summit Fiji in Tamavua, Suva on Wednesday this week.
The interim board comprises Ms Digitaki as interim chair, Juice Fiji founder and owner Panapasa Daunakamakama, Filter Supplies’ Kevin Chan, and Nirmala Nambiar.
