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Prime Minister Sitiweni Rabuka has encouraged business leaders from the Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC) and the New Zealand Fiji Business Council (NZFBC) to consider local production in Fiji.
Mr Rabuka said this would reduce reliance on imports and mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions.
In his speech at the joint FNZ-NZFBC 2024 conference held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Friday, the Prime Minister noted that tourism was one of the sectors that needed a steady flow of goods.
“Supply chain disruptions can limit the availability of supplies, which in turn affects the overall quality of the visitor experience,” Mr Rabuka said.
“Such shortfalls can be made up by working with neighbouring countries to build more resilient regional supply chains.”
Mr Rabuka said trade enabled people and businesses to obtain quality goods and services at the best prices.
However, he added that people often talk about trade in terms of exports, while the reality of global trade means “we live in a world of global value chains.”
“This means that many of the goods we import are often included in goods we then sell to others.
“For example, premium New Zealand wines exported to Fiji are often marketed as part of a world-class tourism experience, adding value to our own economy. And there are many
New Zealand companies have been investing in Fiji for many years, creating jobs and producing some of the highest quality goods and services in the world.”
Mr Rabuka also expressed his gratitude to Fijian businesses that have invested in New Zealand and are now returning home with expertise and capital to reinvest in the Fijian economy.
“We are proud to see the success you have had in New Zealand and to see you return to Fiji to reinvest.”
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