Fiji and Tonga have pledged to deepen trade and investment links following high-level talks in Nukuʻalofa this week.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, met Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister, Dr Taniela Likuʻohihifo Fusimalohi, during the Investment Fiji-led Fiji-Tonga Business Mission. The event, hosted by the Tonga Chamber of Commerce, brought together business leaders and officials from both nations to explore avenues for economic collaboration.
“Fiji is open for business,” Kamikamica declared. “We are here to build partnerships and grow together as Pacific neighbours.”
Fiji exported over $161 million worth of goods to Tonga in 2024, making Tonga its largest Pacific export market. Key exports include flour, biscuits, paints, and eggs.
The mission also identified opportunities for growth in sectors such as tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), and manufacturing. Kamikamica emphasised the importance of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), stating, “MSMEs are the heart of the Pacific community.”
Tonga Chamber of Commerce President Sam Vea welcomed the initiative, noting, “Your presence here shows that we recognise the real potential we have when we work together.
Both governments agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, agriculture, aviation, and digital connectivity, reaffirming their commitment to regional resilience and sustainable development.
The business mission, which ran from May 5 to 8, included major Fijian companies such as Punjas, Goodman Fielder, and Vinod Patel, signalling strong private-sector interest in expanding bilateral ties.
As Pacific nations face global challenges like climate change and rising costs, Fiji and Tonga’s strengthened partnership aims to foster economic growth and stability in the region.