NZ-Fiji Two-way Bilateral Trade Enhanced: Kumar
New Zealand’s bilateral engagement with Fiji continues to be enhanced in terms of two-way trade, tourism and investment. This was highlighted by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Premila Kumar during the joint Fiji-New Zealand and New Zealand-Fiji Business Councils annual conference at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, past Thursday. The Towards Two Billion trading relationships themed annual conference was attended by NZ’s Minister for Regional Economic Development, Forestry, Infrastructure and Associate Minister for Finance, Shane Jones, New Zealand-Fiji Business Council president Chandra Sen, FijiNew Zealand Business Council president Vinay Narsey and members of the Business Councils. Former All Blacks Captain Wayne (Buck) Shelford was the inspirational / motivational speaker who spoke on “Bring Back Buck” .
Partnership
Other topics covered during the conference were Business Environment, Risk Management, Global Market Shift and Sustainability.
Mrs Kumar said: “Today, we recognise the growing strength of this New Zealand-Fiji relationship.
“Our partnership is stronger than ever before, as the Fijian Government is committed to reengaging and re-defining our bilateral relationship.
“It is initiatives such as this Annual Conference that we have underpins the strength of our partnership into the future.”
She noted that the Fijian economy is soaring to a record 10th consecutive year of economic growth and confidence in Fiji is at an all-time high.
“I have no doubt we will maintain this upward trajectory in the years to come with all your support.
“Fiji and New Zealand have a history of close ties spanning culture, sports, business, trade, tourism, defense cooperation and education.
“Fiji is a regional hub, and a key partner for New Zealand trade in the Pacific and Fiji also offers an ideal location for investment.
“Our diplomatic relations have been strengthened over the years and this has been reflected by the important diplomatic inbound and outbound missions led by senior Government Ministers in both countries.”
Highlights:
■Tota● two-way trade between New Zealand and Fiji for the year ended 2018 was NZ$690 million (FJ$955m). Fiji continues to be New Zealand’s largest trading partner in the Pacific.
■Tota● exports from Fiji to New Zealand for the year 2018 was NZ$100m (FJ$100m), whilst import was approximately NZ$590m (FJ$817m). New Zealand has been one of Fiji’s top five import markets over the years.
“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,” said Mrs Kumar.
“A nation that is investing heavily in the education of its citizens, and fielding a highly competitive, English-speaking workforce.”
■A nation that enjoys stability, security and unity among its people.
■A nation eager for new investment, new industries and new opportunity.
“I believe that collaboration and partnership between the two Governments and the Business Councils is vital for the growth of trade and economic relations.
“The Business Councils can ensure flow of innovation, industry expertise, distribution networks and investment capacity.
“Both the Governments can complement that by supporting and strengthening an enabling environment for all players,” Mrs Kumar said.
Mrs Kumar also noted that the key reforms currently being undertaken by the Fijian Government included the centralised bizFIJI portal that provides businesses information on starting a business and obtaining construction permits.