LAMI, Fiji — 14 July 2025 — Fiji is opening its doors to new investment, calling on New Zealand businesses to partner in building the country’s cold chain logistics and expanding into value-added agriculture and eco-tourism.
Speaking at the Fiji Business Mission hosted by the New Zealand Fiji Business Council in Lami, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica made a compelling case for New Zealand firms to fill key gaps in Fiji’s supply and value chains.
“You can also explore joint ventures in processing cassava, pineapples, and breadfruit—turning them into frozen, dried, or pureed forms for export to New Zealand or international supermarkets and foodservice suppliers,” Kamikamica stated.
He said Fiji needed greater investment in cold storage infrastructure—particularly chillers, packhouses, and temperature-controlled logistics—to maintain freshness and quality from farm to port.
“We would also welcome the development of contract farming or outgrower models—where NZ buyers work directly with Fijian farmers to meet specific quantity and quality standards. This is already being done with ginger exports. We’re also seeing this model work with cassava and taro. So if you’re in food processing, agritech, or logistics—Fiji is ready.”
The deputy prime minister urged Kiwi investors to tap into Fiji’s growing eco-tourism and adventure travel sector, partnering with landowning communities to develop sustainable, locally owned tourism experiences.
“In Savusavu and Natewa Bay, we already have successful community-based marine conservation areas that would be ideal for ecotourism ventures—with locals ready to co-invest land and labour,” he said.
“Then there’s the rising global demand for sports tourism, surfing, and adventure-based travel. Places like Cloudbreak, one of the world’s premier surf breaks, attract elite surfers—but we need better support infrastructure: surf camps, board rental operations, wellness facilities. We’re also seeing potential for trail running, mountain biking, and even kite surfing in places like Pacific Harbour and Levuka. These are opportunities that go beyond hotel beds,” he said.
Highlighting Fiji’s ongoing business reforms, Kamikamica said the government was working to create an investor-friendly environment that prioritises trust, transparency, and responsiveness.
“We know from experience that attracting investment isn’t just about incentives. It’s about credibility, consistency, and the confidence that investors feel when they set foot in our country.”
The mission brought together Fijian government representatives, business leaders, and visiting New Zealand firms interested in deepening commercial ties across agriculture, trade, tourism, and renewable energy sectors.
With a renewed focus on inclusive economic growth and climate-resilient development, Kamikamica’s remarks underscored Fiji’s ambition to become a regional hub for innovation, value-added exports, and sustainable tourism.
