Fiji's trade minister has emphasised the trade imbalance it has with both Australia and New Zealand, in a bid to push more of its exports through those countries' ports.
Fiji's trade minister Faiyaz Koya. Photo: RNZI/Alex Perrottet
Faiyaz Koya said Fiji was the hub of the Pacific and was 'riding a wave of investment'.
Australasia trade accounted for 27 percent of Fiji's total trade last year, but there was far more potential to export to Australia and New Zealand in IT, manufacturing, mining and food processing, he said.
"The investment from Australia and New Zealand, despite falling behind China, are still considered key contributors to foreign direct investment in Fiji. The Aussie and New Zealand markets provide numerous untapped potential for Fijian exporters and this is evident in the trade imbalance in favour of Australia and New Zealand."
Mr Koya said the trade deficit was $US210.6 million with Australia, and $US250 million with New Zealand.
