Businesses and government officials from Fiji and Papua New Guinea convened at the PNG–Fiji Business Forum this week to explore trade and investment opportunities, strengthen regional collaboration, and celebrate their shared Melanesian heritage.

The forum drew senior delegates, including Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small & Medium Enterprise and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, PNG Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Lands, Physical Planning & Urbanization, Immigrations & Border Security, Hon. John Rosso, PNG's Acting High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Bill Olmi, PNG Minister for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Win Bakri Daki, and representatives from the private sector and key agencies.

Hon. Manoa Kamikamica opened the forum by highlighting the close ties between Fiji and PNG. “We are not just trade and investment partners, but members of one Melanesian family, connected by history, culture, and shared aspirations.”

He highlighted Fiji’s commitment to supporting business-friendly environment, citing the presence of PNG companies such as Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), BSP, and Credit Corporation operating alongside Fijian companies in PNG like Vodafone, Jacks, and Prouds.

“The South Pacific Stock Exchange and Papua New Guinea’s PNGX Group are collaborating to develop stronger, more integrated financial markets. This is not just about capital – it is about confidence in a shared Pacific economy.”

Hon. Kamikamica said Fiji has 127 investment opportunities worth almost USD 3 billion. He added that 27 projects worth USD 1 billion are being built, and 20 more projects worth USD 1.6 billion are ready to start.

“The Koro Development Project by Lyndhurst Group, for example, will create up to 15,000 jobs and redefine Suva’s commercial landscape,” he said.

Fiji’s focus areas for investment include renewable energy, value-added manufacturing, and technology infrastructure.

“Our focus is on investments that are sustainable and transformative. Google’s subsea cable project is an example of Fiji’s potential to attract high-tech global partners. We want more projects like this that enhance energy independence and stimulate economic growth.”

Hon. John Rosso, spoke about PNG’s interest in building closer trade and investment links with Fiji.

“Since March 2025, when we hosted the Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation in Port Moresby, both countries agreed to work together, solve common challenges, and explore new trade and investment opportunities,” he said.

He noted that the PNG Business Delegation visiting Fiji includes both established companies and new small businesses in areas such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, financial services, and retail. They are exploring ways to do business with Fiji.

“This conference is an important chance to build partnerships between governments and businesses, and to support trade and investment in the region,” he added.

He highlighted the importance of working together to make both countries good places for investment. “Our being here shows PNG’s commitment to cooperate, and I am sure Fijian businesses are also showing their commitment by investing in PNG,” Hon. Rosso said.

Hon. Rosso also shared trade figures, noting that Fiji exports to over FJD 25.3 million (USD 10.93 million), while PNG exports to Fiji areFJD 7.9 million (USD 3.41 million).

Acting PNG High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Bill Olmi reinforced the strategic significance of ongoing Fiji–PNG collaboration.

“Both governments recognise that trade agreements are not just about economics; they are about people, communities, and shared regional prosperity.PNG and Fiji working together strengthens the entire Melanesian region,” he said.

He also stressed that forums like this help turn discussions into real results.

“Forums like this are essential for ensuring our economic and cultural ties are not just ceremonial but actionable. Today’s discussions will translate into real projects, investments, and opportunities for our peoples,” he added.

Following the forum’s theme, ‘Connecting our businesses; creating opportunities for our Pacific’, both PNG and Fiji play important roles in the regional economy. Strengthening connections between businesses and people will create new opportunities and help unite the Pacific family, especially the smaller island states.

The mission was organised by the PNG Investment Promotion Authority(IPA) in partnership with Investment Fiji, the PNG High Commission in Suva, and Fiji’s High Commission in Port Moresby.

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