Fiji Participation Vital To Pacific Trade Expo

14 JANUARY 2008

Fiji Participation Vital To Pacific Trade Expo

The presence of Fiji at the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo is essential to the development of trade in the region and with New Zealand.

Fiji is New Zealand’s largest two-way trading partner; Fiji exports over $66.5 million to New Zealand, and imports over $341.9 million of merchandise trade from New Zealand.

The New Zealand Pacific Business Council (NZPBC) is hosting the 2008 Pacific Trade Expo at the Waitakere Trusts Stadium in Auckland on the 5th and 6th of March 2008. The Expo aims to achieve market growth for both New Zealand and Pacific Island businesses by way of reciprocal ‘two-way’ trade and investment.

Since the coup in December 2006, Fiji has expressed serious concern about their drop in tourism and trade.

Recognising the significance of a large number of Fijian buyers and visitors attending the Expo, the NZPBC sent two representatives to Fiji in December 2007 to meet with influential Fijian political and commercial representatives to attend the Expo.

The response from the visit was very positive; with major entities such as the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Bureau, Fiji Tourism/Air Pacific and Punjas all confirming their attendance at the Expo.

The Expo is the ideal venue to discuss trade opportunities, projects for possible investment and joint ventures; with participation already confirmed from a number of Polynesian and Melanesian countries.

NZPBC Chairman, Gilbert Ullrich has declared: “The Pacific Trade Expo is a great opportunity to reinforce our long-established trade links with Fiji, as Fiji is the natural hub of the Pacific.”

ENDS

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