Speaking at the New Zealand Fiji Business Council's annual mission to Fiji, Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka says the presence of the New Zealand delegation reflects confidence in Fiji's economy and the opportunities available in the country.
Ditoka says Fiji is undertaking major economic reforms aimed at making it easier to do business, attract investment and expand exports through value-added industries.
He highlights opportunities in agribusiness, renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, the digital economy, logistics, infrastructure and manufacturing.
The Minister says Fiji wants to move beyond exporting raw products and instead focus on processing, packaging and branding products such as kava, vanilla, cocoa and coffee to access premium international markets.
He says Fiji is also seeking investment in renewable energy projects as the country pursues its target of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2036.
Ditoka says Fiji currently generates about 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and is looking for partners in solar, wind, hydro expansion, geothermal, battery storage and bio-energy solutions.
The Minister confirms Fiji exported goods worth approximately $150 million to New Zealand last year, while imports from New Zealand totalled around $1.03 billion.
He says New Zealand visitor arrivals reached about 220,000 during the same period, generating approximately $634 million in tourism earnings and accounting for 21 percent of all tourists visiting Fiji, making New Zealand Fiji's second-largest tourism market after Australia.
He adds that Fiji is modernising customs and border systems, streamlining business registration and licensing processes, and improving regulatory coordination to provide investors with greater certainty and predictability.
Meanwhile, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Greg Andrews says Fiji and the wider Pacific are facing significant external pressures from high global fuel prices, which continue to drive up transport, electricity and supply chain costs.
He says while economic growth continues, it is moderating and downside risks remain.
Andrews stresses that regional partnerships have become more important than ever, noting that Fiji and New Zealand share a long-standing relationship built on trust, mutual respect and shared values.
He says both countries need to move faster and work more closely together to achieve the NZ$2 billion trade target despite global economic headwinds.
