THE Fiji-New Zealand Business Council is optimistic the improving diplomatic relations between the Fiji and New Zealand governments would positively affect trade.
This week, both Australia and New Zealand announced their intentions to restore full diplomatic relations with Fiji.
The decisions were made following a meeting between Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Bob Carr, New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully and Fiji's Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in Sydney.
Senator Carr said Australia would send a permanent high commissioner to Fiji for the first time since 2009 and also agreed to take a more "flexible" approach to travel sanctions. However, there would still be travel bans for military officers while government ministers and high level public servants would be allowed to visit Australia.
"The council and its members have consistently sought the removal of these travel bans which has prevented a significant number of qualified and capable local businessmen and woman from serving their community by accepting board appointments on numerous statutory boards,' FNZBC president Raman Dahia said.
"This will positively contribute to an increase in trade between the two countries."
The thawing of relations is because of the government's committment to holding elections in 2014.