Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 14, 2022
New Zealand is a key partner in the infrastructure and economic development of Fiji and increasing opportunities are emerging to boost two-way trade and investment, Suva’s new High Commissioner to Wellington, Inoke Kubuabola said.
He was speaking at a reception held in his honour in Auckland organised by the New Zealand -Fiji Business Council.
The event, hosted by Tower Insurance, was attended by Tower Insurance Chief Executive Blur Turnbull, Fiji High Commission Second Secretary Josua Tuwere, Honorary Consul of Fiji to Auckland Harish Lodhia, Honorary Consul of Solomon Islands to Auckland Kayhan Khadem, Council President Chandar Sen, Fiji Trade Commission Advisor Camila Eiras, members of the Council and other guests.
A former Foreign Minister and Defence Minister, Mr Kubuabola is a master in diplomacy and his appointment as the Head of Fiji’s Mission in New Zealand is seen as a significant move.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama demonstrated his country’s keenness to reinstate his country’s status as a preferred tourist and investment destination for New Zealanders during the visit of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in February 2020 and July 2022- the first as a State visit and the second to attend the 51st Summit of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Duavata Partnership
New Zealand and Fiji signed the ‘Duavata Partnership Agreement’ during the visit of Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta to Fiji on March 29, 2022.
A Joint Statement released in Suva set out the priorities and principles under which the two governments will cooperate, coordinate and partner in identified areas. It affirmed “the joint ambition to elevate the relationship to a new level of expanded strategic cooperation in the years to come based on a foundation of shared values and equal partnership and achieved through trust and consultation. New Zealand and Fiji share a strong kinship that has endured over decades, founded on our shared Pacific culture and identity, mutual respect and friendship, and historical connections. The relationship is further strengthened through the expanding links between our peoples and institutions, the growth of economic and trade flows, and our common interests in the region,” it said.
Mr Kubuabola said that he will concert efforts to build on the momentum created by the Partnership to advance collaboration in democracy and values, economic resilience, security, social well-being, and climate change and disaster resilience.
Incentives to investors
“Our government has introduced several incentives to attract businesses and investors to engage with Fiji. We have removed the red tape and unnecessary bureaucratic regulations and fees. The new Investment Act 2021 has done away with the need for Foreign Investment Registration Certificate,” he said.
Mr Kubuabola said that his government has also introduced a new Business Visa category for selected countries including New Zealand and Australia.
“This Visa will be valid for 21 days and came into effect on August 1, 2022. Fiji slumped into a short, deep recession through the worst of the Covid pandemic as borders closed and leisure travel ceased. The economy is now springing back with resurgent tourism and a government focus on inbound investment and trade,” he said.
Mr Kubuabola said that the pandemic has taught us that ‘Business as Usual will not protect countries from global and regional economic shocks.
“Covid-19 has thrown its worst at us, and we have remained standing. There is much to look forward and hence let us make the best of the opportunities before us,” he said.
