Businesses exporting declined in Fiji: Report

Fiji has had a decrease in the number of businesses exporting to other Pacific Island Countries compared to 2014. This was according to the 2016 Pacific Islands Export Survey.

The Survey examines export dynamics in the Pacific Islands.

According to the Report, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands are import export destinations.

Trade and Investment Commissioner, Pacific Islands Trade & Invest (PTI) Australia Caleb Jarvis, said; the survey provides an important snapshot of exporters from the Pacific Islands. “There continues to be a lack of private sector data from the Pacific Islands. It’s extremely valuable to have these results which build upon findings from the inaugural 2014 survey. We can now start to track trends in the industry and this data assists both private sector and Governments to make informed decisions on how to stimulate growth in the export sector.” The Survey reported on the views of 200 Pacific Island export companies from 12 Pacific island countries operating in more than 30 international markets and is currently the only major survey of internationally active Pacific Island exporters.

Secretary General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor reiterated the importance of survey results.

“For so long, we have depended on anecdotal data to analyse our business community’s participation in global trade and regional value chains. Our business community is growing every day. Its commitment to entering emerging and non-traditional markets is impressive and will drive further economic integration and development.

The Survey was supported by Australian Aid and conducted by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Research and commissioned by PTI Australia with the support of its partners, Australian Aid and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.