Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has encouraged business leaders who are members of the Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC) and New Zealand Fiji Business Council (NZFBC) to consider local production in Fiji.

Mr Rabuka said that will reduce reliance on imports and mitigate the impacts of supply chain disruptions.

In his address at the FNZ-NZFBC 2024 Joint Conference that ended at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi on Friday, the PM cited the tourism industry as an example of a sector that requires a steady flow of goods.

“Supply chain disruptions can limit the availability of supplies impacting the overall quality of the tourist experience,” Mr Rabuka said.

“Such shortages can be met through collaboration with neighbouring countries to build more resilient regional supply chains.”

Mr Rabuka said trade enabled people and businesses to access quality goods and services at the best possible prices.

However, he added trade was often talked about in terms of exports when the reality of global commerce meant “we live in a world of global value chains”.

“That means that many items we import are often included in what we then sell on to others.

“For example, a premium New Zealand wine exported to Fiji is often on-sold as part of a world class tourist experience, adding value to our own economy along the way. And there are a number of

NZ companies that have invested in Fiji over the years, creating jobs while also producing some of the world’s greatest goods and services.”

Mr Rabuka also acknowledged Fijian businesses who invested in New Zealand and are now bringing back their expertise and capital to reinvest in the Fiji economy.

“We are proud to see the success you have achieved in New Zealand and seeing you return to Fiji to re-invest here.”