Border reopening hugely beneficial
BUSINESSES have faced tremendous challenges in the past couple of years, which includes impacts on revenue and working capital, inventory and supply chain disruptions, navigating new health and safety protocols, and workforce management.
New Zealand Trade Commissioner to the Pacific, David Dewar said above all though, had been the sheer human impact on people’s health and wellbeing, which had affected everyone no matter what their role or station.
“From an international trade perspective, these challenges have been further compounded by closed borders – whether it’s sourcing skilled staff, supplies, inputs, or customers in the case of the tourism industry, the pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to businesses all over the world,” he said.
Mr Dewar said the reopening of international borders had been hugely beneficial.
“You can do a lot virtually and there have been some great innovations over the past couple of years. But some things can only be done in person. The reopening of borders has enabled businesses from Fiji and New Zealand to reconnect face-to-face with their partners and suppliers, roll over staff and families between offices, carry out critical maintenance, attend trade shows and sign new trade and investment deals.
“Above all, it’s driven that sense of optimism and a positive investment outlook, which is critical for growth. In particular, the return of Fiji’s tourism sector has been especially welcome. It’s an industry that’s vitally important not only to Fiji’s own economy, but which also supports so much business activity around the Pacific region. So it’s great to see so many kiwis and kiwi businesses supporting that sector, including at the conference itself.”
According to Mr Dewar the timing of the Fiji New Zealand Business Council and the New Zealand Fiji Business Council annual joint conference 2022 coincides with Matariki, the Maori new year and this is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar signified by the Matariki cluster of stars (otherwise known as Pleiades) reappearing in our night sky.
“It’s a time to reflect on the past year and those that have passed away, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.
“This is the first year that the New Zealand government has designated June 24 a national public holiday to celebrate Matariki. The conference theme: New beginnings: Partnering for a
Sustainable Future, reconnecting whanau, friends and businesses is therefore very appropriate, and I know everyone is really looking forward to it.”
The NZFBC will also hold a business mission before the conference and Mr Dewar said it was the first major business delegation to visit Fiji since borders had reopened after COVID and it’s really exciting.
“Virtual connections have served us well over the past couple of years, but in business there is no substitute for in-person connections when it comes to identifying opportunities, strengthening partnerships and committing to new deals.”
The trade commissioner said Fiji was New Zealand’s largest trading partner in the Pacific by far, and there were hundreds of businesses in both countries with interests and investments spanning all sectors of the economy.
Many of those business relationships reflect deep personal friendships, so Mr Dewar says feels a bit like a family reunion, adding that “And as you would expect between our two countries, there are also plenty of actual family connections as well”.
“Of course, the business mission and the conference is being led by the two sister business councils, so I’d particularly acknowledge those two councils and their presidents: Chandar Sen of Pacific Engineering Projects New Zealand and Renu Chand of KPMG Fiji, as well as immediate pastpresident, Vinay Narsey, for their own leadership and support throughout the past couple of years, as well as in driving forward this important reconnection.”
At the conference Mr Dewar will be participating in a panel session discussing some of the lessons learnt from the past couple of years as well as ways that our businesses can collaborate towards a sustainable future.
“There are huge opportunities for greater collaboration between New Zealand and Fiji businesses in these areas – from renewable energy, to resilient infrastructure, capability development and high quality, sustainable food and beverage.
“And I look forward to profiling some of these alongside my fellow panelists.
“As always, throughout the conference I’ll also be looking for opportunities to help grow the connections and partnerships between the New Zealand and Fijian businesses that will be there.”