Trade Development Committee (TDC) Meeting Discusses Outcomes of Trade Engagements in New Zealand and Advancement of Fiji’s Trade Priorities

The Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Dr. Raijeli Taga, chaired the Trade Development Committee (TDC) meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade on 24 July 2026, where members discussed key outcomes from Fiji’s recent trade-related engagements in New Zealand and considered ongoing initiatives to strengthen Fiji’s trade agenda.

The meeting provided an opportunity for members to receive updates on Fiji’s participation in the Second Senior Officials’ and Ministerial Meetings of the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), as well as bilateral engagements and discussions held during the recent visit to New Zealand led by the Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade. This included a business roundtable convened by Pacific Trade and Invest New Zealand, which brought together stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening commercial linkages between Fiji and New Zealand.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Taga emphasised the importance of continued collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders in advancing Fiji’s trade priorities. She highlighted that the TDC provides an important platform to coordinate national efforts towards expanding market opportunities, enhancing trade competitiveness, addressing emerging trade challenges, and strengthening connectivity with key trading partners.

Dr. Taga further noted the importance of deepening Fiji’s economic relationship with New Zealand, particularly as both countries work towards achieving the bilateral trade target of NZ$2 billion by 2030.

Members were also briefed on the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT-P), a new international initiative aimed at addressing emerging trade and investment challenges, creating opportunities for collaboration among members, and developing practical solutions to common barriers affecting businesses.

The Committee also discussed the issue of direct air connectivity between Nausori and Auckland, following requests raised during the New Zealand–Fiji Business Council Mission to Fiji, held in June 2026.

The meeting further provided an opportunity for Ministries and agencies to share updates on their respective trade priorities, ongoing initiatives, sector-specific opportunities, and challenges affecting productivity, competitiveness, and export growth.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on strengthening coordination and communication across government agencies to address trade and investment barriers. Members recognised that improving Fiji’s trade performance requires a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, with agencies working collectively to support exporters, enhance business competitiveness, and create an enabling environment for investment.