FIJI has urged New Zealand businesses to deepen commercial ties and support new investment projects as the government moves to accelerate trade reforms and expand market access.
Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Sakiasi Ditoka, at the opening of the 2026 Joint Conference of the Fiji–New Zealand Business Council and the New Zealand–Fiji Business Council, said the current period of global economic uncertainty also created opportunities for businesses willing to move early.
“The current period of global economic uncertainty also presents significant opportunities for businesses prepared to invest, innovate and build long-term partnerships,” Ditoka said.
He said New Zealand remained one of Fiji’s most important trading and investment partners, with momentum building across tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, services and digital industries.
“Taro remains Fiji’s single largest export to New Zealand, and we are also seeing growing exports of kava, agricultural produce, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, beauty products, garments and industrial goods,” he said.
Ditoka said Fiji wanted more value-added exports and stronger supply chains, and pointed to reforms already under way, including the rollout of the National Single Window System to streamline trade facilitation.
He also pitched a wider investment agenda, saying Fiji was working to make it “a faster, simpler and more transparent place to invest and operate.”
“These investments are creating jobs, transferring skills and contributing to the development of infrastructure and productive capacity that benefits all Fijians.”
The minister identified agribusiness, renewable energy, climate solutions, tourism, aviation services, digital technologies, logistics, education and skills development as priority areas for future Fiji–New Zealand cooperation.
He also urged greater investment in agro-processing, fisheries, manufacturing, and niche exports such as vanilla, cocoa, speciality coffee, and tropical fruits.
The conference brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers, and private-sector representatives from both countries to explore new trade and investment opportunities.
