Minister Urges Fiji And New Zealand Businesses To Turn Opportunities Into Partnerships

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, today called on Fiji and New Zealand businesses to seize emerging opportunities and deepen commercial partnerships as both countries work towards a shared ambition of expanding bilateral trade and investment.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Joint Conference of the Fiji–New Zealand Business Council and the New Zealand–Fiji Business Council at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Denarau, Minister Ditoka said the current period of global economic uncertainty also presented significant opportunities for businesses prepared to invest, innovate and build long-term partnerships.

The Minister acknowledged the important role played by both Business Councils over many years in strengthening economic and commercial ties between Fiji and New Zealand by connecting entrepreneurs, investors, exporters, innovators and policymakers.

Minister Ditoka highlighted the strong and growing economic relationship between the two countries, noting that New Zealand remains one of Fiji’s most significant trading and investment partners.

He said there is strong momentum across key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and digital industries, with increasing opportunities for businesses to expand market access, strengthen supply chains, and develop new cross-border partnerships.

“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.

Minister Ditoka emphasised that achieving the shared aspiration of expanding trade and investment will require sustained growth in both directions and a stronger focus on expanding opportunities for Fijian products and services in the New Zealand market.

He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthening trade facilitation through ongoing reforms, including the commencement of the implementation of the National Single Window System.

Hon. Ditoka also highlighted the importance of the investment relationship between Fiji and New Zealand, noting continued investor confidence in Fiji’s economy and growing interest in emerging sectors.

“These investments are creating jobs, transferring skills and contributing to the development of infrastructure and productive capacity that benefits all Fijians,” he said.

The Minister further outlined the Government’s ambitious ease of doing business reform programme aimed at making Fiji a faster, simpler and more transparent place to invest and operate.

Minister Ditoka identified several priority sectors for future Fiji–New Zealand collaboration, including agribusiness, food systems, renewable energy, climate solutions, tourism, aviation services, digital technologies, infrastructure, logistics, education and skills development.

He also encouraged greater investment in value-added industries, including agro-processing, fisheries, digital services, manufacturing and niche export products such as vanilla, cocoa, specialty coffee and tropical fruits.

“As Fiji pursues its vision of becoming a more resilient, innovative and competitive economy, partnerships with New Zealand businesses and investors will continue to play an important role in driving sustainable economic growth and creating new opportunities for our people,” Minister Ditoka said.

The Joint Conference brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers and private sector representatives from Fiji and New Zealand to explore opportunities for increased trade, investment and economic cooperation.