Fiji and PNG trade imbalance a concern

PNG acting high commissioner to Fiji Bill Olmi. *(Image: Supplied)*

Papua New Guinea's acting high commissioner to Fiji, Bill Olmi has expressed concern over the current trade between Fiji and PNG.

Speaking during the revival of Fiji & PNG Business Council event in Suva recently, Olmi said the imbalance in trade is evident on the shelves of major supermarkets in Fiji where there are fewer or no PNG products.

The Acting High Commissioner added that with the revival of Fiji PNG Business Council, both countries should improve in that space.

It is anticipated that the revival of the business council will reinforce the two Melanesian countries' economic collaboration.

In the meantime, Investment Fiji has revealed that it will lead a delegation comprising both private and public from Fiji to visit PNG on an investment and trade mission.

A date for this business delegation trip to PNG is yet to be set.

Fiji-PNG business council revived

The revival of the Fiji-Papua New Guinea (PNG) Business Council after domain for 6 years will reinforce the regional economic collaboration between the two countries.

Speaking during the first Annual General Meeting, held in Suva, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Honorable Manoa Kamikamica, mentioned that the formation of the council was a precursor to the trade and investment mission that will take place in March.

He said there is tremendous potential in both countries, and there are still a lot of opportunities to harvest, especially with the tourism sector.

Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty welcomed the interest shown towards the revival of the council.

Therefore, he said the support of this council will be integral as the team looks forward to establishing connections and capturing the opportunities for both countries.

PNG's Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, Bill Olmi, said the revival of the Fiji-Papua New Guinea Business Council would not only promote business and investments between the two countries but with other Pacific Island countries.

He said that this platform is for business communities from both nations to collaborate, exchange ideas, and address issues that are important to the economy through dialogue and cooperation.