12 Apr 2021

Trade expo aims to develop French-Fijian relations

12:50 pm on 12 April 2021

A virtual trade exposition launched by New Caledonia and Fiji last week is targeting buyers and sellers in both countries.

New Caledonia's capital Noumea.

New Caledonia's capital Noumea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

The E-Trade Exposition developed by Investment Fiji and New Caledonia Trade and Invest (NCTI), and supported by the Fijian, French and New Caledonian governments is expected to improve develop bilateral relations.

Fiji's Tourism and Trade Minister Faiyaz Koya said the expo was one of the many initiatives undertaken jointly by Fiji and New Caledonia to improve their partnership.

He said the 2019 Fiji-New Caledonia Business Forum had highlighted the 'significant untapped economic potential that exists between our countries'.

Koya said while a reciprocal mission to Noumea was side-tracked due to the pandemic, Friday's event demonstrates that we are continuing to build on this foundation for successful business collaborations.

Investment Fiji's chief executive, Craig Strong, said a lot of potential existed for businesses in New Caledonia and Fiji to trade with each other.

"Investment Fiji's collaboration with the French Embassy and the NCTI team shows our organisations transformational journey into becoming a trade and investment promotion agency," Strong said.

The New Caledonian government member for foreign trade, economy and renewable energies, Christopher Gygès, said the virtual exhibition was a unique opportunity to present the products, services and companies of each territory to facilitate contacts between economic operators.

A cruise ship in Noumea.

A cruise ship in Noumea. Photo: RNZI/ Johnny Blades