Fiji and PNG Address Trade Imbalance Concerns Amid Business Council Revival
Papua New Guinea’s Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, Bill Olmi, has raised concerns about the current state of trade between Fiji and PNG, highlighting a noticeable imbalance.
During a recent event in Suva marking the revival of the Fiji-PNG Business Council, Olmi pointed out that this disparity is reflected on the shelves of major supermarkets in Fiji, where PNG products are either scarce or entirely absent. He emphasized that the reactivation of the business council could serve as a catalyst for improving trade relations between the two nations.
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| Fiji and PNG Address Trade Imbalance Concerns Amid Business Council Revival |
The renewal of the Fiji-PNG Business Council, dormant for six years, is expected to strengthen economic ties between the two Melanesian countries. Speaking at the council’s first Annual General Meeting, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Honorable Manoa Kamikamica, noted that the council’s re-establishment paves the way for an upcoming trade and investment mission scheduled for March.
Kamikamica highlighted the vast untapped potential within both nations, particularly in sectors like tourism, which could benefit from enhanced collaboration. Investment Fiji’s Chief Executive Officer, Kamal Chetty, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the renewed interest in the council. He stressed that its support would be crucial as efforts are made to forge stronger connections and seize mutual opportunities for growth.
PNG’s Acting High Commissioner, Bill Olmi, further elaborated on the significance of the revived council, stating that it would not only foster trade and investments between Fiji and PNG but also extend these benefits to other Pacific Island nations. He described the platform as an opportunity for business communities from both countries to collaborate, share ideas, and address economic challenges through constructive dialogue and cooperation.
In related developments, Investment Fiji announced plans to lead a delegation comprising representatives from both the public and private sectors on a trade and investment mission to PNG. While the exact date for this visit has yet to be finalized, the initiative underscores Fiji’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties with its Melanesian neighbor.
The revival of the Fiji-PNG Business Council marks a significant step toward addressing trade imbalances and unlocking new avenues for regional economic collaboration.
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