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Fiji's Deputy PM reaches out to Kiwi investors to grow economy

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 18:41 GMT by rnz
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Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Calls on Kiwi Investors to Drive a New Growth Wave

In a concerted effort to diversify Fiji’s economy and shore up its post‑pandemic recovery, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu opened a dialogue with New Zealand’s investment community on Monday. Speaking at the Auckland Institute of Technology’s annual “Fiji‑New Zealand Business Forum,” the Fijian leader outlined a multi‑sector strategy aimed at attracting New Zealand capital to tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.

A Strategic Partnership Built on Shared History

The Deputy Prime Minister’s outreach was framed against a backdrop of a long‑standing, amicable relationship between the two island nations. Fiji’s diaspora in New Zealand numbers roughly 15,000, many of whom have cultivated robust business ties in the land down under. “The Fijian community in New Zealand is a bridge that can link our two economies in ways that benefit both,” Lalabalavu said. “We are eager to harness that relationship and turn it into a source of investment and innovation for Fiji.”

The forum’s agenda also touched upon the 2016 Fiji‑New Zealand free‑trade agreement, a cornerstone of the bilateral economic relationship. While the agreement had opened trade corridors for goods and services, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that a new wave of investment – particularly from New Zealand – could unlock further value.

Sectors of Opportunity

Tourism. The tourism sector remains the backbone of Fiji’s economy, accounting for about 25 % of GDP and 40 % of foreign exchange earnings. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the need to expand beyond the traditional “all‑inclusive” model and invest in eco‑tourism, boutique resorts, and cultural tourism that celebrates indigenous Fijian heritage. “We are creating a dedicated tourism corridor that will bring Kiwi investors into the heart of our islands, enabling them to tap into the growing demand for authentic, low‑impact travel experiences,” he said.

Agriculture and Agro‑Processing. Fiji’s fertile volcanic soils offer a prime base for high‑value crops such as macadamia nuts, vanilla, and organic citrus. Lalabalavu underscored a new “Agriculture Development Initiative” aimed at modernizing supply chains, reducing post‑harvest losses, and meeting the growing global demand for organic and sustainably sourced produce. He cited a potential partnership with New Zealand’s agribusiness giants, who have a proven track record in scaling up agricultural exports.

Renewable Energy. Fiji’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 is an economic opportunity. The Deputy Prime Minister outlined a plan to attract New Zealand renewable‑energy firms to collaborate on solar, wind, and tidal projects across the archipelago. “The island’s geographic positioning and abundant natural resources make it an ideal partner for New Zealand’s clean‑tech sector,” he added.

Infrastructure and Digital Economy. In line with the Fiji government’s “Digital Fiji” roadmap, the Deputy Prime Minister announced that new investment in broadband, data centres, and logistics hubs would be given preferential treatment. “The investment window is open for Kiwi firms looking to expand their footprint into the Pacific while helping to bridge the digital divide in Fiji,” he said.

Incentives and Regulatory Support

Dr. Lalabalavu took a moment to clarify the incentives that accompany an investment in Fiji. The Fijian government is offering tax rebates, duty‑free import of capital equipment, and streamlined licensing procedures for projects that create at least 50 jobs. Moreover, a dedicated “Fiji Investment Facilitation Office” will act as a single point of contact for foreign investors, providing end‑to‑end assistance – from site selection to permitting.

He pointed the audience to the official Invest Fiji website (https://investfiji.com/), where prospective investors can find comprehensive guides on investment procedures, legal frameworks, and case studies of successful projects. For Kiwi investors specifically, he recommended consulting the Invest New Zealand portal (https://investnz.co.nz/), which houses a database of Fiji‑based investment opportunities curated for New Zealand businesses.

Domestic Economic Context

In the lead‑up to the forum, Fiji’s economy experienced a sharp contraction in 2020, largely due to the COVID‑19 pandemic and the attendant collapse in tourism. However, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the country’s recovery trajectory was now on an upward swing, with GDP expected to rebound to pre‑pandemic levels by 2023 and to grow at 3–4 % annually thereafter.

He also referenced a recent speech by Finance Minister Sakeasi Butadroka, who highlighted Fiji’s modest fiscal deficit and the government’s commitment to maintaining macro‑economic stability. “We’re not only inviting investment; we’re also ensuring that our fiscal and monetary policies provide a sound environment for long‑term growth,” Lalabalavu said.

Voices from New Zealand

The forum was not just a one‑sided pitch. Several New Zealand investors, including the CEO of a major agribusiness firm and a representative from a renewable‑energy consortium, applauded Fiji’s openness. “We’ve been looking for a Pacific partner that has both a clear vision and a supportive regulatory framework,” said one speaker. “Fiji’s strategic initiatives give us the confidence that a partnership here will yield tangible returns.”

The Deputy Prime Minister concluded with an invitation for a round‑table discussion at the Fijian Embassy in Wellington, where interested parties could explore detailed partnership models.

A Call to Action

Dr. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s outreach signals a pivot in Fiji’s economic strategy – one that looks beyond traditional markets and harnesses the dynamism of New Zealand’s investment community. By leveraging a blend of incentives, regulatory support, and a shared history of cooperation, Fiji aims to become a hub for Pacific‑regional investment and innovation.

As the Deputy Prime Minister succinctly put it: “The islands are calling for partners who can help us write the next chapter of Fiji’s economic story. We are ready for Kiwi investors to step forward.”

For more detailed information on the sectors, incentives, and how to get involved, investors can visit the Invest Fiji portal (https://investfiji.com/) or the New Zealand Investment website (https://investnz.co.nz/).