Fiji’s exports to Papua New Guinea reached more than FJD$25.3 million (about K43.9 million/US$10.93 million) in 2023, with items such as electric conductors, sweet biscuits and garments, according to Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
Kamikamica, also the minister for Trade, co-operatives, micro, small and medium enterprise and communications, said during the Fiji-PNG business forum in Port Moresby Tuesday that while there was a slight decline in exports in 2022 and 2023, the opportunities for growth remained significant.
“And with Fiji’s imports from PNG reaching FJD$7.9 million (about K13.7 million/US$3.41 million) that same year, it’s clear that the relationship is mutually beneficial, and there’s much more room for growth,” he added.
Kamikamica said that with the recent re-opening of Fiji’s High Commission in PNG and the revival of the Fiji-PNG Business Council, “we are more committed than ever to strengthening our relationship with PNG”.
“These steps reflect our desire to engage more deeply with PNG’s business community and explore new avenues for collaboration that will benefit both our nations,” he said.
“We have already seen promising trends in our economic relationship.
“Since August 2022, PNG investors have registered two projects in Fiji valued at FJD$600,000 (about K1.04 million/US$259,521), focusing on the agriculture and transport sectors.
“These investments reflect the growing interest in opportunities in both our countries, and it is an encouraging sign of what we can accomplish together.
“Interests has also been shown from companies in industries such as services and health.
“Additionally, there are opportunities being explored in the coffee industry, with plans to import coffee beans from PNG and establish a coffee shop in Fiji.”
Kamikamica said that there were also Fiji-owned businesses successfully operating in PNG, such as the Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), Fiji’s leading telecommunications company.
It has expanded into PNG’s ICT market, a testament to ATH’s vision and commitment to the region.
“Then there’s Jacks and Prouds, two prominent Fijian retail companies which have made significant headway in the PNG market offering a wide range of products from clothing and footwear to home goods and electronics,” he said.
“Their expansion into PNG highlights the growing demand for high-quality retail options and demonstrates the confidence Fijian businesses have in PNG’s retail landscape,” he said.
