A group of agriculture-related businesses is gearing up for the Fiji Investment and Trade Mission in New Zealand, in a bid to establish and explore new market opportunities and strengthen existing ties.

The Fiji Investment and Trade Mission to New Zealand will provide a valuable opportunity for exporters to gain firsthand knowledge of the New Zealand market and its regulations.

Farmers Fresh Produce Pte Ltd., Director Minhaj Ali is focused on gathering information and building social networks on the import and export of produce to and from both countries. 

"We are a fairly new company, and we would like to capitalize on import and export opportunities that mostly focus on products such as fruits and vegetables and other food items, which can allow us with wholesale and distribution of the said produce and products to our local market and supply to various hotels, restaurants, islands, bars and many more," said Ali.

Similar sentiments were shared by Fruit Co. Director Ranjita Devi.

"We are importers of fresh fruits and vegetables from New Zealand, which we distribute to wholesalers, resorts, hotels, and supermarkets in Fiji. Therefore, I look forward to getting additional supplier contact as well as the availability of other fresh fruits and vegetables that we can market in our country at a price that is terrific, just like the taste," added Devi.

Ranviz Fresh Produce Director, Avnil Kumar, said their business is more focused on the food industry as they want to export in volume and be present in this competitive market.

"My expected outcome is to attract buyers from New Zealand, which will add value to our company in buying, supporting, and promoting our Fijian farmers' produce. We want investors to work with us with the expectation of getting more information on products that are in demand so that we can export and create a competitive market," he said.

The five-day outbound mission, organized by Investment Fiji and the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications in collaboration with the Fiji Consulate General and Trade Commission (Australia and New Zealand), Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the New Zealand Fiji Business Council, and the Fiji New Zealand Business Council, is set to take place from March 20 to 24, 2023, in Auckland and Wellington.

During the mission, business representatives will participate in a range of activities, including meetings with potential buyers and distributors as well as networking events with industry leaders. 

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