Trade opportunities for Fiji and Tonga

Fiji's Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica and Tonga's Acting Prime Minister Dr Taniela Likuʻohihifo Fusimalohi discussed the issue during a meeting in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday.

Kamikamica is in Tonga to attend the Investment Fiji-led Fiji-Tonga Business Mission.

Fiji is the fourth-largest exporter of goods to Tonga.

Fiji's Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small & Medium Enterprises, and Communications said Tonga is Fiji's largest export market in the Pacific, with over $161 million worth of exports recorded last year.

A number of Fijian companies, like Punjas, Coca-Cola, Flour Mills of Fiji, CJ Patel, and Ashabhai have connections or offices on the main island of Tongatapu, enabling Fijian goods to be imported by local companies.

Tonga's Acting Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, left, receives a tanoa gift from Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday

Tonga Prime Minister's office said Kamikamica's visit, with the business mission, and meeting with Dr Fusimalohi "provided an opportunity to strengthen the enduring friendship between Fiji and Tonga".

"The leaders exchanged views on matters of common interest, including enhancing cooperation in trade, agriculture, and aviation, and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration for the mutual benefit of both nations and the region."

The business mission meeting has been hosted by the Tonga Chamber of Commerce, and brought together business leaders and government officials from both countries.

President Sam Vea said this was an important step forward for both countries.

He said Tonga is ready to strengthen long-term business ties with Fiji.

"Your presence here shows that we recognise the real potential we have when we work together," he said.

Fiji's s Trade Ministry said in a statement that Fiji sees a lot of opportunities for further business growth in areas like tourism, ICT, and manufacturing.

It also praised Tonga's natural beauty, stating that there is strong tourism potential if the right infrastructure is put in place.

Fiji's delegation included major businesses like Punjas, Goodman Fielder, and Vinod Patel.

"Fiji is open for business," Kamikamica said.

"We are here to build partnerships and grow together as Pacific neighbours."

Kamikamica pointed to key areas of growth, including tourism, ICT, and sustainable manufacturing.

He said "it's not just about big projects or big companies", stating there should be a strong emphasis on supporting small businesses, the backbone of every Pacific economy.

"MSMEs are the heart of the Pacific community," he said, referring to micro, small, and medium enterprises. He spoke of Fiji's efforts to build a national strategy for MSMEs and cooperatives, which could serve as a model for the entire region.

The business mission is supported by Investment Fiji and Tonga's Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

Both countries agreed that Pacific nations must work together to address their own challenges, especially in light of global issues like climate change and rising costs.

 - RNZI