THE $2billion trade investment target between New Zealand and Fiji by the year 2030 is achievable, says Fiji New Zealand Business Council president James Trusler.
He said the council and its stakeholders have been making business moves since the trade target was set last year.
“When we had our joint trade meeting, the New Fiji Business Council and the Fiji New Zealand Business Council last year in Nadi with our two prime ministers, the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and the Honourable Christopher Luxon, it was agreed between the two countries that we would increase our trade to $2b by 2030,” said Mr Trusler.
“We believe it is achievable, and I have seen the closing statistics for last year and it is showing a positive growth and that will continue to grow.”
Mr Trusler said they hoped to tap into new markets while strengthening traditional income earners.
“Tourism we hope will continue to grow and there are other industries that we believe as a business council has potential.
“One of them we feel is the aquaculture industry and just lately we have seen more of the smaller cooperatives and businesses coming.
“If everyone does their part and we increase the trade between the two countries, it is definitely achievable.”
Mr Trusler said the council was also on target to increase its membership.
“We are the largest business council in Fiji, and we want to continue being so.
“We have been very active over recent years and have had great committees for years.
“We want to continue being active and try to give benefits to our members and that is why I think it is important for us to continue growing.
“The target right now for us is to get 200 members. We are sitting at just over 160 now and our next target is 200 which could happen in the next two months.”
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated MARCH 15, 2025.
