Doing business in Fiji: trade and investment roadshows start soon
Wednesday, 5 August 2020
The borders remain closed for travel, but the show must go on - the trade show, that is.
That's exactly what the team at the Auckland-based Fiji Trade Commission is gearing up for in its continued drive to bring in more investment and trade to the Pacific island nation struggling to cope with the effects of Covid-19 restrictions.
And while the Fijian economy is hurting from the Covid-19 impact, the country remains a dynamic investment destination, says Peter Rudd, trade manager at the commission.
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Over the next few weeks, Rudd will lead a team of guest speakers in a series of trade and investment roadshows throughout the country, starting with New Plymouth on August 26, Wellington August 31, Christchurch on September 1, and Auckland September 3.
'The roadshow is a unique opportunity to get face-to-face with New Zealand businesses that are already active in Fiji,' Rudd told Stuff.
The roadshows - Doing Business in Fiji - will feature speakers from the Fiji Trade Commission to New Zealand, the New Zealand Fiji Business Council and the Fiji High Commission to New Zealand.
The Wellington roadshow is also expected to be attended by New Zealand's Trade Minister, David Parker.
A key feature of the roadshows will be the presentation of case studies of successful ventures - Tower Insurance, FRIEND, and Todd Generation.
'At the seminars, the case studies will be sharing their own experiences of doing business in this dynamic economy,' Rudd said.
'They will be talking about the benefits of operating in Fiji and sharing some of their local market insights.'
Rudd said the roadshow would also serve to inform people of the local support and services provided by the Fiji Trade Commission office in Auckland.
'We are only two-and-a-half years old, but we have been very good at opening doors and facilitating communications between Fijian and NZ businesses,' Rudd said.
'We can provide close assistance to businesses who want to navigate the commercial opportunity within Fiji.'
Long known as the 'Hub of the South Pacific', Fiji's developing economy reached more than F$1 billion in two-way trade with New Zealand and received more than 200,000 Kiwi visitors.
This year also marks Fiji's 50th independence anniversary, and grand celebrations were being planned to mark the occasion, but the impact of Covid-19 has forced change, with thousands of job losses.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has hit Fiji's economy hard, political and business leaders are hopeful they may be one of the first countries to reopen their borders to quarantine-free travel with New Zealand.
Rudd said this was an incredible opportunity for investors to connect with other New Zealand businesses operating in Fiji and gain a better understanding of how others could establish a presence in the Pacific.
Fijian themed drinks and canapes will be served after the presentations where you will get the chance to network and talk one-on-one with the experts.
Click here to register for one of the roadshows, and click on the city of your choice, and you will be directed to the appropriate chamber of commerce.
For more information, visit www.investinfiji.today