THE Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Premila Kumar led a Fijian investment mission to New Zealand aimed at engaging the New Zealand business community to better understand their needs.
The three-day mission, which marked the first anniversary opening of the Fiji Trade Commission in New Zealand, was also used to determine ways in which Fiji could ensure existing and future investments and trade with New Zealand were maintained and secured.
Fiji Consul General and Trade Commissioner to New Zealand Zarak Khan acknowledged the Fijian Government’s vision and support in growing Fiji’s presence in New Zealand and building on the long-standing relationship the two countries share.
“In marking the end of the first year of the Fiji Trade Commission’s inaugural operations, I am proud of what our team has achieved so far. The Fiji Trade Commission is making a significant contribution to the Fijian economy by showcasing and facilitating trade and investment opportunities between Fiji and New Zealand,” Mr Khan said.
Ms Kumar highlighted the growing strength of the Fiji-New Zealand relationship and the support provided by the New-Zealand Fiji Business Council and the strong Fijian diaspora living in New Zealand.
“We have very ambitious Fijians in all sectors, putting forward ideas and launching new businesses every year. It is our duty to give these entrepreneurs the confidence and the opportunity to market their products on all shelves across New Zealand and also launch their services in the New Zealand market,” Ms Kumar said.
New Zealand’s bilateral engagement with Fiji continues to be enhanced in terms of two- way trade, tourism and investment as the Fijian economy was soaring to a record tenth consecutive year of economic growth.
Ms Kumar also met a number of potential New Zealand investors as well as current businesses such as Alrite Steel and Services, Skills International, the C.P Group and Douglas Pharmaceuticals.
