FTIB Newsletter
Business as usual for Fiji and NZ
As a conduit of assistance for the Fiji-New Zealand Business Council, marketing officers, Liz Baledrokadroka and Parnam Singh, represented FTIB at the recent routine monthly executive meeting.
A cocktail was organised in Lautoka to bridge the divide between Suva and West-based members and to target potential members. "Application for membership has been collected by a few companies and we look forward to receiving these from them," Singh said. The council currently has 76 members.
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Speaking at the meeting, New Zealand High Commissioner and chief guest, Adrian Simcock said in the relatively short time he has been impressed with the commitment of the Council in seeking to enhance trade, commercial and business relations between Fiji and New Zealand for the advantage of both countries.
"The Business Council is a convenient representative of New Zealand-related businesses in Fiji for the dissemination of information and contact for visiting VIPs. It is also a source of funding in which New Zealand Overseas Development Assistance grant money can be channelled for training and other operational enhancements for business in Fiji."
Mr Simcock said in recognition of the advances which the Government of Fiji has made in restoring democratic processes, the New Zealand government lifted sanctions against Fiji in December last year.
"We look forward later in the year to having the process of re-engagement affirmed with a series of ministerial visits."
The Business Council will be taking advantage of this improved environment by hosting the 122nd Fiji/New Zealand Joint Business Council Conference at the Warwick Fiji Resort later this year. The theme for this conference will be "Building Better relationships. Another major event on the Council's calendar is the New Zealand trade exposition to be mounted in the West and Suva later in the year. "I believe it will be a major promotion, and an important signal that New Zealand is serious about the Fiji market," Mr Simcock said.
