Overview

International Trade has increasingly become an underpinning determinant of economic prosperity in most countries of the world, and Fiji is no exception. Our external trading relations increasingly determine the growth and development of the country, and this influence will only increase with reduction and removal of barriers to trade between countries and global integration.

In line with most developing countries, the last past decades has seen Fiji adopt an export oriented, outward-looking approach to trade relations. Import restrictions have been largely lifted in favour of export promotion, and as such Fiji now has a more open economy with increased volumes of both exports and imports. The more open trading approach has led to increased prosperity and opportunities in the economy, creating thousands of jobs in industries like garments, but it has also led to greater vulnerability. In this regard, Fiji’s new Government is also encouraging domestic production, infant industry promotion and private sector development to go hand in hand with export oriented policies.