PM Rabuka’s press statement- New Prime Minister’s visit to Fiji
06/06/2024PM Rabuka’s remarks at the Fiji-New Zealand and New Zealand-Fiji business council’s joint conference 2024, Sofitel Resort, Nadi
07/06/2024Published On: 07/06/2024
Fiji is your best bet for a guaranteed return on investment under the watch of the Coalition Government. This was the message conveyed by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while delivering his remarks at the opening of the Fiji-New Zealand, New Zealand-Fiji Business Councils Joint Conference in Nadi this morning. “I assure you the Coalition Government is serious about making your investment in Fiji worthwhile by cutting through the bureaucracy and red tape,” he highlighted.
“Fiji and New Zealand have always been natural partners, sharing a common history encompassing heritage, culture, sport, business and education. Our friendship reflects a common Pacific identity with strong people-to-people links.”
New Zealand is home to a large Fijian diaspora and their contributions through remittances and investments, have a positive impact on our economy, while at the same time, contributing positively to New Zealand’s economy.
As a traditional partner, New Zealand has always been a significant market for Fiji, comprising the second largest share of all tourists visiting our shores.
In this regard, Fiji welcomed 220,963 visitors from New Zealand in 2023, exceeding 2019 levels by seven percent.
“From January to April this year, Fiji has welcomed 53,331 visitors from New Zealand,” added PM Rabuka. “This is 12% higher than the same period in 2023 and the highest ever on record.”
Following yesterday’s bilateral meeting between PM Rabuka and PM Christopher Luxon, the two leaders have agreed on the review of the Duavata Partnership which targets five pillars including, democracy and values, economic resilience, security, social well-being, and climate change and resilience.
“Prime Minister Luxon and I have also agreed this week that the target for business between Fiji and New Zealand is two billion dollars by 2030,” he further remarked.
At the same time, PM Rabuka encouraged the participants to consider local production in Fiji to reduce reliance on imports and mitigate the impacts of supply chain disruptions.
“In closing, I extend my appreciation to Mr. Chandra Sen and the New Zealand Fiji Business Council and to Mr. James Trussler and the Fiji-New Zealand Business Council.”
Read the Prime Minister’s speech on ln.run/ocoMP
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