NZ, Fiji push for $2 billion trade goal under new partnership

New Zealand and Fiji are intensifying efforts to reach a bilateral trade target of $2 billion, aiming to build upon their strengthening economic ties and expanding business opportunities. This ambitious goal is a key component of a newly formalized five-year partnership agreement designed to guide cooperation between the two Pacific nations. New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Greg Andrews, emphasized that trade remains a central priority under the "Duavata Partnership Agreement." Signed recently by Fiji's Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran Dutoka, and New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, the agreement outlines cooperation across five critical areas, including economic development. "We’ve got our trade goal. Our Prime Minister set us a goal to reach $2 billion in trade," Andrews stated. "At the moment, we’re at $1.4 billion. So we’ve got a little bit of work to do, but really working very closely with New Zealand and Fiji businesses on that." Andrews highlighted that the refreshed partnership provides a structured framework for both countries to enhance their economic links. It also aims to advance collaboration in governance, social well-being, peace and security, and climate and disaster resilience. He noted that the robust people-to-people connections and the long-standing relationship between Fiji and New Zealand serve as a solid foundation for increasing trade and investment. The High Commissioner stressed that enhanced collaboration among businesses in both countries will be indispensable for successfully achieving the $2 billion trade target.

“

We’ve got our trade goal. Our Prime Minister set us a goal to reach $2 billion in trade. At the moment, we’re at $1.4 billion. So we’ve got a little bit of work to do, but really working very closely with New Zealand and Fiji businesses on that.