The Fiji-Papua New Guinea Business Mission 2025 is an opportunity for several sectors to come together to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries and open new business opportunities for both. Speaking at the event, Vodafone Regional Chief Executive Officer Pradeep Lal provided insights into the business environment in PNG and stressed on the importance of understanding market dynamics before investing.
Lal says with a population of approximately 12.5 million, PNG offers significant unexploited opportunities for investors, and Fijian entrepreneurs and businesses should view every market as an opportunity.
He says PNG has an abundance of resources, including over 50 years of mining opportunities, and projects in sectors such as mining, agriculture, dairy, kava, forestry and fisheries.
He says PNG’s key exports include mineral fuels and oil, natural and cultured pearls, mineral products, timber and wood, animal or vegetable fats and oils, nickel products, and fish, as well as agricultural products like coffee, tea, and spices.
Lal says Fijian businesses could explore and expand into these sectors and look into PNG's rich natural resources by collaborating with local business partners.
He also says that hospitality, medical centres, and retirement and aged care facilities are areas where investment is needed, and Fiji, with its skilled workforce, is well-positioned to meet these demands.
Lal says there are also opportunities in the education sector, agriculture - particularly turmeric, ginger, pineapple, and coconut water - and the dairy industry.
The delegation from Fiji is led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica, and included government officials and self-funded private sector organisations.
The mission is facilitated by Investment Fiji and the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, in partnership with the Investment Promotion Agency PNG, the Fiji High Commission in PNG, and supported by Vodafone PNG and BSP Financial Group Limited.
The event started yesterday in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and will conclude tomorrow.
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