MINISTER KUMAR'S ADDRESS AT THE WELCOME RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE FIJI TRADE COMMISSION AND THE NEW ZEALAND-FIJI BUSINESS COUNCIL

Member of Parliament, Hon Kanwaljit Bakshi; 
Fiji Consul General and Trade Commissioner to New Zealand, Mr Zarak Khan; 
President of the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council, Mr Chandar Sen; 
Acting Head of Mission, Fiji High Commission to NZ, Ms Maraia Vakasilimiratu 
Fiji’s Honorary Consul to Auckland, Mr Harish Lodhia; 
Members of the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council; 
Distinguished Guests; and 
Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Bula Vinaka and a very good evening to you all. 

Before we begin, I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the tragic events that unfolded in Christchurch last Friday. The Fijian Government strongly condemns this abhorrent act of terror against a peaceful community and reaffirms our shared beliefs in multiculturalism, tolerance, love and respect for one another irrespective of race, religion, gender and creed. It is a profoundly sad tragedy and as a nation, Fiji offers its prayers and support to all Kiwis and the Government of New Zealand at this difficult time. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I’m here this evening to acknowledge and mark the first anniversary of the opening of the Fiji Trade Commission in New Zealand and also meet with the vibrant New Zealand business community to better understand your needs and how Fiji can work to ensure your existing and future investments and trade with Fiji is secured. 

The Commission was opened by the Fijian Government just over a year ago and Mr ZarakKhan was appointed the Consul-General and Trade Commissioner. The presence of the Commission will build on the enduring relationship we share, and create more exposure for Fijian Made products and services, investments and Fiji as a business destination. 

The Fiji Trade Commission is making a significant impact for Fiji, by showcasing and strengthening trade and investment relations between New Zealand and Fiji. They’ve been working closely with stakeholders such as the Fiji High Commission in Wellington, the Fijian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Investment Fiji, New Zealand Fiji Business Council, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand businesses, as well as the Fijian-based businesses to promote trade and investment opportunities into the New Zealand market. 

Fiji is the hub of the Pacific, the hub of communications, trade, investment, tourism and innovation. Therefore, having a Trade Commission right in the business-hub of New Zealand, the beautiful City of Auckland, means we are presented alongside major financial institutions, corporations and equally important, many Small and Medium Enterprises. SMEs for me are the backbone of the New Zealand economy and are a driving force behind the strong New Zealand-Fiji trade, investment and economic relationship. We are neighbours with businesses and investment partners who are strategically positioned to engage with each other for the benefit of both economies. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Today we recognise the growing strength of the New Zealand-Fiji relationship. Our partnership is stronger today than ever before as the Fijian Government is committed to re-engaging and re-defining our bilateral relationship. 

New Zealand's bilateral engagement with Fiji continues to be enhanced in terms of twoway trade, tourism and investment as the Fijian economy is soaring to a record tenth consecutive year of economic growth, and confidence in Fiji is at an all-time high. I have no doubt we’ll maintain this upward trajectory in the years to come. 

I am extremely proud to note that total two-way trade between Fiji and New Zealand in 2017 recorded over $992.2 million. New Zealand has been one of Fiji’s top 10 export destinations over the past 5 years, with exports to New Zealand valued at $110.0 million on average. 

New Zealand has been one of Fiji’s top five import markets over the years. In 2017, the highest number of imports were from New Zealand, valued at $858.1 million. 

The Fijian Government’s pro-growth policies and the first year-anniversary of the opening of the Fijian Trade Commission in Auckland is a testimony of our commitment to take our private sector engagement and people to people links to the next level. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We have very ambitious Fijians in all sectors, putting forward ideas and launching new businesses every year. It is the duty of this Office to give these entrepreneurs the confidence and the opportunity to market their products on all shelves across New Zealand and also launch their services in the New Zealand market. 

As we celebrate this relationship, we all know the Fijian presence here in Auckland is nothing new. Our Office will continue to be an invaluable source of information and guidance to New Zealander investors as well as New Zealand visitors who visit Fiji every year. I am also happy to note that more Kiwi’s continue to visit Fiji every year. In 2018, Fiji received almost 200,000 kiwis (198,718). This was an increase of 7.7 percent, the highest number recorded in a given year. 

The Fijian Government has many exciting events planned for the New Zealand market in the coming year. This includes a “Fiji Trade and Investment Roadshow” across the three major cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. This Roadshow is jointly organised by the Fiji Trade Commission and the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council, as well as the individual City Councils and Chambers of Commerce in May this year. I hope to lead a mission of Fijian businesses and investment approval agencies to participate at this important Roadshow. 

To the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council members, your support over the years has equally attributed to the growing confidence New Zealand investors have in the Fijian economy. I thank you for your contributions and for the valuable role that you play in this relationship under the leadership of your President. 

We have a story in Fiji that the world wants to hear: a modern, dynamic economy in the throes of rapid economic growth and infrastructure development. A nation that is investing heavily in the education of its citizens, and fielding a highly competitive, Englishspeaking workforce. A nation that enjoys stability, security and unity among its people. And a nation eager for new investment, new industry and new opportunity. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Fiji Trade Commission team and the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council for the warm welcome, as well as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise for the wonderful facilities. 

With these words, ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the evening and I look forward meeting you all. 

Vinaka vakalevu, Dhanyabaad and thank you.