Fiji and New Zealand are set to significantly enhance their trade ties, with projections indicating that the value could reach $2 billion by 2030. This ambitious target was announced by Tomasi Tunabuna, Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, during a recent parliamentary address. The framework for this projected growth was established during a bilateral meeting between Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon earlier this year.
Central to this collaboration is the objective of strengthening Fiji’s agricultural sector, focusing on critical areas such as food security, climate resilience, and enhancing market competitiveness. Reflecting this commitment, a senior delegation from Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture undertook a “scoping mission” to New Zealand from November 15 to 23. The mission aimed to explore strategic partnerships that will modernize agriculture in Fiji, emphasizing technology integration, mechanization, and climate-smart farming practices.
Minister Tunabuna highlighted that the delegation aimed to advance cooperation in areas like water management and watershed protection, seeking to adopt successful water governance models from New Zealand. This collaboration is expected to help Fiji discover new export markets for high-value crops. Additionally, the initiative will facilitate agricultural education, capacity building, and technical exchanges, creating a well-rounded partnership between the two nations.
The mission included meetings with various stakeholders, such as government agencies, distributors, research institutions, business councils, and local growers, demonstrating a collaborative approach to transforming Fiji’s agricultural landscape. The efforts reflect Fiji’s dedication to developing an agricultural system that is not only robust against climate challenges but also innovative and market-responsive, promising a prosperous future for Fijian households and the broader economy.