THE Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has commenced the first round of negotiations with the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (NZ IRD) to review the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between the two countries.
The negotiation was formally opened by New Zealand’s Commissioner of Inland Revenue Peter Mersi.
The present Fiji-NZ DTA was first signed on October 27 in 1976 and amended in 1986 and 1994.
According to the FRCS, this comprehensive review – the first since those changes – presented a timely opportunity to modernise the agreement in line with current international tax practices and ensure fair and transparent tax outcomes for both jurisdictions.
FRCS chief executive officer Udit Singh said Fiji valued its strong and longstanding partnership with New Zealand.
He said that review reflected the shared commitment of both countries to ensuring a modern and fair tax treaty framework that supported business activity and safeguarded the interests of the people.
“The Duavata Partnership provides an important foundation for these negotiations, highlighting mutual trust and cooperation as we work towards a future-ready agreement,” Mr Singh said in a statement.
He said they looked forward to productive discussions throughout the week, and continued collaboration with New Zealand into 2026 as both countries worked toward a modernised and mutually beneficial DTA.
Mr Singh said New Zealand remained one of Fiji’s most important economic partners, with strong cooperation in trade, investment, labour mobility and tourism.
He said strengthening tax treaty arrangements played a vital role in improving investor confidence and supporting sustainable economic growth.
“This review also reinforces the Fiji-NZ Duavata Partnership, which reflects the shared vision of both nations to deepen collaboration across economic, social and cultural spheres,” he added.
