The Fiji-PNG Business Mission 2025 kicked off this morning with a key session led by the Vodafone Regional Chief Executive Officer, Pradeep Lal, based in Papua New Guinea (PNG). As part of a broader initiative to strengthen the economic ties between Fiji and PNG, Lal provided invaluable insights into the business environment in PNG during a private briefing for the Fijian delegation.

Vodafone, is now operating across several Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Samoa, the Cook Islands, American Samoa, and PNG. Through his experience, Lal shared several key lessons on doing business in PNG, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market dynamics before making an investment and having a long term view to investments in PNG.

Lal highlighted several crucial points for Fijian businesses looking to enter the PNG market. He stressed the importance of thoroughly learning the market, understanding the political, social and economic climate, and evaluating the cost of entry. He also mentioned the necessity of exploring the infrastructure, risks, and challenges associated with entering new markets as part of due diligence.

With a population of approximately 12.5 million, Lal noted that PNG offers significant untapped opportunities for investors. He encouraged Fijian entrepreneurs and businesses to look at every market as an opportunity, regardless of size.

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“No opportunity is too big or too small,” Lal remarked, reinforcing the potential that lies in emerging markets like PNG.

Several Fijian businesses have already made their mark in PNG, including Jacks of Fiji, Motibhai, and The Stanley, demonstrating the success that can be achieved with the right approach.

Lal also pointed to PNG’s wealth of resources, including over 50 years of mining opportunities, and a growing pipeline of projects in sectors such as mining, agriculture, dairy, kava, forestry, and fishery.

PNG’s key exports include mineral fuels and oil, natural and cultured pearls, mineral products, timber and wood, animal or vegetable fats and oils, nickel products, and fish, as well as agricultural products like coffee, tea, and spices.

“These sectors represent areas where Fijian businesses can explore and expand, tapping into PNG's rich natural resources, but it’s important to collaborate with local business partners,” mentioned Lal.

Lal identified several sectors where Fiji could benefit from Papua New Guinea’s growth potential. He also encouraged the Fijian delegation to collaborate with PNG investors who may be interested in investing in Fiji. He said, “It’s important to form strategic partnerships and alliances. There are numerous lessons to be learned and shared between both countries that can contribute to the growth of our respective economies”.  

“Hospitality, medical centers, retirement and aged care facilities are areas where investment is needed. Fiji, with its skilled workforce, is well-positioned to meet these demands. Moreover, there are opportunities in the education sector, agriculture particularly turmeric, ginger, pineapple, and coconut water, and the dairy industry,” he stated.

“Fiji’s strengths in these sectors could provide the foundation for a successful partnership with PNG. In fact, over the last few years, PNG has done exceptionally well in the non-resource sectors, and there are many lessons to be learnt. As the market continues to expand and develop, there will be growing demand for skilled labor and services, which Fiji is well-equipped to provide.”

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The Fiji-PNG Business Mission 2025 is facilitated by Investment Fiji and the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, in partnership with the Investment Promotion Agency PNG, the Fiji High Commission in PNG, and supported by Vodafone PNG and BSP Financial Group Limited.

The mission aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and open new business opportunities for both.

The delegation from Fiji includes Government officials and self-funded private sector organizations, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica.

The Business Mission will explore opportunities for mutual growth, investment, and collaboration that will benefit both Fiji and PNG in the long run.

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