Wellington, New Zealand – The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, has reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to deepening economic ties with New Zealand during a Mini-Business Forum held in Wellington.
Leading a strong Fijian business delegation, DPM Kamikamica emphasised the need to build on the solid foundation of the Duavata Partnership and the joint commitment by Prime Ministers Sitiveni Rabuka and Christopher Luxon to double bilateral trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030.
“Our partnership with New Zealand is anchored in trust and shared values. The challenge before us is to translate this goodwill into balanced trade, stronger investment flows, and concrete benefits for our businesses and people,” DPM Kamikamica said.
He stressed Fiji’s determination to create a world-class investment climate: “Fiji is shaping a business environment that listens to investors, learns from global best practice, and leads with credibility. Come to Fiji with a credible project, and you will find one front door, one digital track, and one team committed to getting you to yes.”
He also highlighted that Fiji is positioning itself as a reliable hub for Pacific trade and connectivity, underpinned by digital transformation. “Investment doesn’t flow just because of incentives. It flows when businesses see consistency, stability, and a country that honours its commitments — that is the Fiji we are building,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted key opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and digital connectivity. He invited New Zealand investors to partner with Fijian farmers through structured buying arrangements, expand into experience-based and eco-tourism ventures, co-invest in renewable energy solutions, and take advantage of Fiji’s rapidly advancing digital infrastructure. Hon. Kamikamica urged New Zealand businesses to “look beyond transactions and build long-term partnerships that create value, resilience and shared prosperity.”
“The roadmap has been agreed, the political will exists, and the private sector is engaged. Now is the time to turn dialogue into delivery,” he concluded.
The Mini-Business Forum brought together senior officials, industry leaders and members of the New Zealand–Fiji business community to exchange insights on trade, investment and the regulatory landscape. It also marked the formal inception of the wider Fiji Business Mission programme, which over the coming week will see the delegation engage in high-level bilateral meetings, investment roundtables, site visits, and the annual Fiji–New Zealand Joint Business Council Conference in Auckland.