Honourable Speaker of Parliament,
The Honourable Prime Minister,
Honourable Deputy Prime Ministers,
Honourable Leader of the Opposition,
Honourable Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
The People of Fiji who may be listening to this Broadcast through Walesi or livestreaming or listening on Radio today.
Bula Vinaka and Good Morning to you all.
I rise to deliver this Ministerial Statement on the role and impact of Fiji’s Trade Commissions in advancing our trade, investment, and broader economic objectives.
Fiji’s economic future hinges on our ability to engage meaningfully with international markets—to expand our exports, attract quality investment, and build resilient partnerships that contribute to national development. Our Trade Commission offices are an extension of Government’s commitment to that vision.
We currently operate Trade Commissions in Australia, New Zealand, China, and the United States, with each office serving as a gateway for promoting Fiji’s interests and connecting our businesses and investors with new opportunities.
Allow me to elaborate on the work and impact of our Trade Commissions, which continues to deliver measurable results.
Trade Commissions in Australia
Mr. Speaker Sir,
Our Trade Commission in Australia stands as Fiji’s anchor in the region. In just the first half of the current financial year, the Commission has facilitated over $33 million in exports—an increase of $3 million from the previous year, growing Fiji’s exports to Australia by 13%. In terms of Foreign Direct Investments, the Trade Commission has helped facilitate registration of 16 investment projects from Australia, valued at over $8 million. These investments span tourism, agro-processing, and ICT services.
For the 2023–2024 financial year, the Office has facilitated:
- 34 FDI projects valued at $29 million; and
- $76 million in exports.
As a Consulate, the office also provides essential support to our diaspora—processing more than 2,500 consular applications in the last financial year.
Overall, for every $1 spent funding the office, the Fijian economy receives a return on investment of nearly $50 back in registered investment projects and facilitated exports and consular services.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
Recently, we have seen some remarkable success stories for the Australian market. For instance, new market access and distributor deals have been secured for Fijian products such as Fiji Fire Bongo Chilli Sauce, Juice Fiji, and fresh dalo from Road King Farms in Taveuni.
Additionally, Fiji has proudly become the leading exporter of kava to Australia, with over 185 tonnes exported by nearly 200 Fijian suppliers since the launch of the commercial pilot programme. Today, Fijian kava products can be found in more than 800 Coles stores across the country.
The Trade Commission is also exploring further opportunities in high-value, niche markets. One such example is coffee—Australia’s largest agricultural import. A pilot project is currently underway with a boutique Australian label that has identified the unique flavour and quality of Fijian-grown coffee. The project is working with local communities to source, process, and eventually export this premium coffee to global markets.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
The Commission also facilitates targeted trade missions and events that enable Fijian businesses to meet directly with buyers, observe competitor trends, and engage store owners. Such missions have already led to confirmed deals and greater visibility for Fijian brands.
Next month, over a dozen Fijian exporters will participate in the Naturally Good Expo in Sydney—Australia’s largest trade show for organic and natural products. This is a vital opportunity to promote Fiji’s premium products, meet new buyers and distributors, and align with market trends in packaging and labelling.
To complement these events, the Commission has launched an online product catalogue and directory, making it easier for Australian and New Zealand businesses to discover and connect directly with Fijian producers.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker Sir,
In collaboration with Outsource Fiji, we proudly featured at the Customer Contact Week ANZ on the Gold Coast. We also supported the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Council at the Global Sourcing Expo in Melbourne—highlighting the strength of our manufacturing sector.
And in an exciting milestone for the creative industries, we partnered with Fiji Fashion Week to deliver the first-ever Fiji Fashion Symposium in Sydney. This groundbreaking event is now set to become an annual feature in Australia’s fashion calendar, which is particularly significant given that Australia remains Fiji’s largest textile export market.
These platforms are critical to showcase Fiji to a targeted global audience, position Fiji as an ideal nearshoring destination, and promote high-quality, cost-effective services and products.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
In a unique example of sectoral innovation, our Australia office facilitated a strategic business visit from the St Kilda Football Club—a leading team in the AFL—to explore collaboration with Fiji in sports development, infrastructure, and youth talent pathways. This initiative has the potential to make Fiji a leading sport-tourism hub, and to inspire the next generation of Fijian athletes like Nic Naitanui and Esava Ratugolea.
Trade Commissions in New Zealand
Mr. Speaker,
I now turn to the achievements of our Trade Commission in New Zealand.
In the first half of this financial year, the Office has facilitated over $30 million in exports—an increase of more than $10 million compared to the same period last year.
Similarly, the Office has facilitated 11 registered investment projects from New Zealand, valued at over $4.8 million. These span sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing. The ROI over 60:1
For the 2023–2024 financial year, the Office has facilitated 17 FDI projects valued at $8.9 million and facilitated $62 million in exports.
In terms of tourism, the Trade Commission has also facilitated several investment projects in value-added tourism products, including yacht charter services and superyacht gatherings. Additionally, a number of other high-value niche projects are in the pipeline, with a focus on eco-tourism and agroforestry.
Overall, for every $1 spent funding the office, the Fijian economy receives a return on investment of nearly $60 back in registered investment projects and facilitated exports.
Mr. Speaker,
Fiji remains the only Pacific Island country among New Zealand’s top 20 trading partners. Our market engagement shows sustained and growing demand for our exports.
Diaspora-led businesses in Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington continue to serve as key distributors, helping Fijian MSMEs gain access to supermarkets and convenience stores across the country. Beyond major retailers like Pak’n Save, New World, and Woolworths, our products are now found in hundreds of independent outlets, signalling strong potential for further expansion.
Mr Speaker Sir,
Allow me to outline some of the key initiatives recently led and facilitated by the Fiji Trade Commission in New Zealand:
- The Trade Commission participated in the Auckland Baby Show together with Loloma Fiji, achieving a major milestone by securing a partnership with Baby City — marking the first time a Fijian baby product has been stocked in a national retail chain.
- Our creative industries were in the spotlight at the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, where a number of talented Fijian designers took centre stage —showcasing Fiji’s creative potential and the vibrant storytelling of our fashion sector.
- At the Auckland & Wellington Food Shows Products like Fiji Fire, Juice Fiji, and Aztec Farms were showcased and marketed, including the use of targeted influencer campaigns. The response from consumers was overwhelming—so much so that Juice Fiji and Fiji Fire were nearly sold out by the end of the event.
As a result of these efforts, over 40 stores across New Zealand now stock Juice Fiji, and more than 19 stores stock Fiji Fire hot sauce.
The Office also led a targeted marketing roadshow across key cities in New Zealand—including Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, and towns across the Lower North Island. This roadshow featured in-store product demonstrations, digital marketing campaigns, and strong engagement with our Fijian diaspora.
The momentum is continuing into the new financial year. The Trade Commission in New Zealand is now preparing for three major trade shows this year to showcase the best of Fijian products. These include:
- NZ Hair and Beauty Expo in June;
- Auckland Food Show in July; and
- Wellington Food Show in August.
Trade Commissions in China
Turning to Asia, Mr. Speaker Sir,
Our Trade Commission in China serves as Fiji’s gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic and complex markets.
This Trade Commission has facilitated exports of over $20 million worth of Fijian products to China. This includes over $10 million worth of mineral water and noni products, $10.2 million in timber, and continued growth in export of kava.
On the investment front, I am pleased to inform you of several major developments that signal growing investor confidence in Fiji. A landmark project valued at $4.9 billion has been confirmed for Wailoaloa Beach, led by a prominent investor from Hong Kong. This large-scale hotel development stands to significantly boost our tourism infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate local supply chains.
There have been several other promising developments recently. Among them, a Chinese company specialising in daily household products has registered in Fiji, with an investment contribution of $3 million.
A prefabricated housing project has commenced, which includes three customisable housing units of 26 square metres each.
Another major investment—valued at over $16.6 million—will introduce ACL (new material) housing on a 10-acre site. The 10-acre site also holds the potential to be developed into a diversified industrial park. Plans are being explored to integrate green energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, agricultural research, and education into this park.
For the 2023-2024 financial year the TC China office has helped facilitate 3 investment projects from China, valued at over $129 million across various sectors of the economy. Concurrently, the office has helped facilitate exports exceeding $33.3 million.
Our Trade Commission in China is also developing investment pipelines in Mountain tourism projects, featuring potential resort developments, cultural villages, and linked ventures—each worth tens of millions of dollars.
Discussions are also underway for an investment project in Agriculture and fisheries, with a focus on crab and prawn farming.
Mr. Speaker, these projects not only bring capital but also jobs, skills, and confidence in Fiji’s long-term economic potential.
Looking ahead, the Trade Commission has plans to participate in a number of trade shows and events this year to promote Fijian made products and attract quality investment. These include:
- The 13th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo in April;
- The SIAL Exhibition in May – a key platform for food and beverage companies;
- The China International Small and Medium Enterprise Fair in June; and
- The China International Import Expo in November.
Mr Speaker Sir, a delegation from the Fiji-Macao Chamber of Commerce is also expected to visit Fiji later in June, and will be facilitated by our Trade Commission in China.
Trade Commission in North America
And finally, Mr. Speaker Sir, our Trade Commission for North America— plays a critical role in representing Fiji’s interests across both the U.S and Canada—two of the world’s most influential consumer markets.
Its work centres on three key pillars: reconnecting with the Fijian diaspora, attracting investment, and strengthening trade links between Fiji and North America.
In 2024, Fiji’s exports to the U.S. totaled $487.7 million. The Trade Commission directly facilitated over $3.77 million in new exports and secured more than $200 million in active investments.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
To support exporters, the Commission provides market intelligence on key products like kava, turmeric, seafood, and cosmetics, and undertakes market scoping and engagement. With rising demand for health and wellness goods, there’s growing interest in value-added products such as ginger shots, moringa supplements, and fruit-infused drinks. The Commission is also working with Biosecurity Fiji to support potential pineapple exports to the U.S.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
As part of trade promotion efforts, Fijian products were showcased at the Cosmoprof North America Beauty Trade Show in Las Vegas, with returning participants including Nama Fiji, MeSovu Fiji, and Loloma Fiji.
In February, the Trade Commission led the first Kava Mission to the U.S., joined by Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Hon. Tomasi Tunabuna, and Trade and Agriculture officials. The mission engaged leading kava buyers, bars, and associations, creating new export opportunities and alignment with U.S. standards. The Commission is now working with the Ministry of Agriculture to host a Fiji Kava Forum and is collaborating with the U.S. Kava Coalition and American Kava Growers to improve quality assurance and to grow this into a billion-dollar industry.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
This year, the Trade Commission also plans to attend the Canadian Health Food Association Expo in Vancouver to assess opportunities for Fijian products like ginger, turmeric, moringa, and noni, and explore a dedicated Fiji booth at future shows. This supports efforts to position Fiji as a premium supplier of natural and organic products and to boost exports to Canada.
Additional tradeshows in timber, seafood, and other sectors are being assessed to identify high-impact platforms for Fijian Made goods.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
On investment front, notably the Google Project is progressing well. In December 2024 and January 2025, four subsea cables successfully landed at Natadola and Suva. This follows the groundbreaking of Google’s ICT facility in Natadola in November 2024.
Fiji Water is advancing its Commercial Agriculture Programme, and the Trade Commission has brought additional projects to the Commercial Agri Taskforce, which are currently being explored.
In May 2024, I led Fiji’s largest-ever business mission to North America, engaging investors, government agencies, business communities, and the Fiji diaspora across the U.S. and Canada. This helped reconnect with the diaspora and led to investor scoping visits in tourism, education, outsourcing, and agribusiness.
Following the mission, several investor groups visited Fiji to explore opportunities in tourism, real estate, education, outsourcing, and agribusiness. We continue to facilitate such scoping visits.
In California, business leaders have established the U.S.-Fiji Chamber of Commerce. We are working closely with them to strengthen ties between Fiji and the U.S. business community and diaspora. In Canada, the Fijian Association is actively promoting Fiji and is expected to play a growing role in trade and investment promotion.
Our North America Office continues to support a wide range of investment inquiries from U.S. companies and the diaspora.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
Diaspora engagement remains a strong focus. The Trade Commission in the U.S. has stepped up engagement with Fijians in North America to understand their aspirations and support reinvestment in Fiji. I am proud to report that members of our diaspora are actively investing, with many more expressing interest.
In 2024, the Commission reached over 1,000 Fijians through the US-Fiji Investment and Savings Drive, securing more than $1 million in investments. A larger drive is planned for 2025.
A partnership with HFC Bank now allows diaspora members to open accounts remotely—a key step in easing investment. This new process demonstrates our commitment to delivering on promises and supporting the diaspora meaningfully.
To deepen service delivery, the Trade Commission is exploring passport enrolment services at its San Francisco office.
Looking ahead, Mr. Speaker Sir,
The Trade Commission will also be present at the Los Angeles Rugby 7s in May, providing on-the-spot assistance with banking, investment, trade, and business queries for our diaspora.
Preliminary work has also commenced for a second Fiji Business Mission to the US, targeted for 2026. This will build on the success of past missions and further solidify Fiji’s visibility in key North American markets.
Conclusion
Mr. Speaker Sir,
This statement highlights the value of our Trade Commission offices. Their work supports our exporters, attracts new investment, builds our international reputation, and advances connections with our diaspora.
As we work to future-proof our economy, the contribution of our Trade Commissions will be vital to our success.
I commend the work of our Trade Commission teams and assure this Parliament that we remain fully committed to strengthening their capacity and reach, to ensure that Fiji is not just seen, but heard, felt, and remembered across every major international market.
Vinaka vakalevu.