New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Charlotte Darlow;
New Zealand-Fiji Business Council President, Mr Chandar Sen;
Auckland Business Chamber CEO, Mr Simon Bridges;
Chairman, Fijian Holdings Limited Rokoseru Nabalarua;
Esteemed Guests;
Members of the media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Kia Ora, Bula Vinaka and a Very Good Morning to you all.
It is a pleasure to speak as part of this New Zealand-Fiji Business Mission and on behalf of the Government of Fiji, I would like to officially welcome you all to our beautiful country.
I would like to acknowledge the Business Council for organising this mission and bringing such an extensive delegation over to Fiji so we can continue to strengthen our business-to-business and economic ties.
I understand the delegation has around 50 representatives from the business community and private sector – a significant increase on previous years. This is also a sign of New Zealand’s strong confidence in doing business in Fiji and a reflection of the close relationship that our two countries share.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our relationship is dynamic and multifaceted, marked by a shared history, robust economic ties, and strong cultural connections. The renewed and revitalized support from both Governments for our ‘Duavata Partnership,’ provides the launchpad for the relationship to continue on an upward trajectory, to reach new heights to achieve greater levels of cooperation and collaboration.
The cultural and social ties that Fiji & New Zealand share are strong, underpinned by our significant diaspora in New Zealand. This community plays a vital role in fostering people-to-people connections. On the sporting field, our vocal Fijian Drua fans continue to breathe new life & energy into the Super Rigby Pacific competition.
Our geographic proximity and close people-to-people ties makes it easier for us to do business with one another and is the foundation on which greater levels of trade & investment can be realised. Fiji is the only Pacific Island country to rank in New Zealand’s top 20 trading partners with two way bilateral trade reaching an unprecedented F$1.36b last year.
New Zealand also remains a key economic partner – a key source of foreign direct investment, second largest source of international visitors and is Fiji’s third largest export destination. Can I also acknowledge the continued support from the New Zealand Government, particularly in helping Fiji manage natural disasters and the increasingly detrimental impacts of climate change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
If I could echo the sentiments raised by the Honourable Prime Minister just last week in Parliament when providing an update on the ‘Duavata Partnership,’ in saying that The People’s Coalition Government is steadfast in its commitment to grow and diversify our economy – and New Zealand is a long-term, proactive partner in this regard. As the hub for the Pacific, Fiji offers kiwi business unmatched investment opportunities across a myriad of different sectors and industries – both established and emerging.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This week-long visit provides a platform for us to interact and learn about both markets, and crucially to further our business-to-business connections. We are certainly very pleased to see the turnout from the NZ businesses to meet with us and engage with their Fiji counterparts. And we look forward to this continued engagement.
I would like to recognise the effort and the hard work of those who have made this event possible; the New Zealand – Fiji and Fiji – New Zealand Business Councils, New Zealand High Commission and NZTE, our Ministry of Trade together with Investment Fiji and Fiji Trade Commission to New Zealand.
With these words, I hope you will make the most of the opportunity presented during this forum to build the connections and understanding that will help you to grow trade and investment between both markets.
I look forward to hearing directly from you about how we can improve and better support you to invest and trade in Fiji.
Vinaka Vakalevu. Thank you.