After holding its first formal meeting at the Fiji High Commission in Port Moresby earlier this week, the newly established Papua New Guinea Fiji Business Council (PNGFBC) has outlined plans to help small businesses access new markets, create employment opportunities, strengthen workforce skills and deepen trade between Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
The Council, established through an initiative led by Fiji's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Jackson Bernard Nato Evans, with the support of CPL Group Founder and Chairman Emeritus Sir Mahesh Patel, was formed to strengthen trade, investment, business partnerships and people to people ties between the two Melanesian nations.
Following the inaugural meeting, Sir Mahesh said the Council was created to deliver practical outcomes that benefit businesses in both countries.
"The High Commissioner came here last year with a clear vision to improve trade; thus, it was refreshing to hear a diplomat talk about practical ways to strengthen business ties between Fiji and Papua New Guinea," Sir Mahesh said.
He said one of the Council's key priorities is helping small and medium sized businesses expand beyond their local markets.
"We wanted a council that could help a small business owner who has a product but doesn't know where to start. They should be able to approach the Council, and we help connect them with businesses in Fiji that may want to buy their products."
Sir Mahesh said the Council intends to focus on achievable initiatives that deliver measurable results.
"I didn't want us to talk about big plans and then do nothing. We want to focus on two or three achievable objectives that will genuinely improve trade and cooperation."
Beyond trade, he said Council members are also exploring opportunities to develop a skilled workforce that can support growing industries in both countries, particularly tourism and hospitality.
"Papua New Guinea has a young and growing workforce. Instead of only sending people overseas for seasonal work, why not establish hospitality training here so Fiji can recruit trained Papua New Guineans? Then, as tourism grows in Papua New Guinea, we already have a skilled workforce ready."
Sir Mahesh also believes Papua New Guinea has significant potential to increase agricultural exports to Fiji.
"We have fertile land and excellent produce. People from Fiji have told me they've seen high-quality broccoli in the Highlands and asked why we aren't exporting it. The challenge isn't production. It's building the transport, storage, and supply systems needed to get products to market."
He said the country should continue investing in industries that can provide long-term economic opportunities beyond the resource sector.
"We cannot rely on mining forever. One day the minerals will be gone, but agriculture can continue to create wealth for generations if we invest in the right infrastructure."
The Council has appointed MRDC Chief Operating Officer Vele Rupa as its inaugural President, with Rina Antonio Jang serving as Secretary and Yogesh Sammy as Treasurer. Sir Mahesh said the leadership team reflects the Council's commitment to ensuring both Papua New Guinea and Fiji are equally represented.
While still in its early stages, he expressed confidence that the Council would become a practical platform for business collaboration between the two countries.
"It's only the beginning, but we've assembled a strong team of volunteers who are committed to making this work. If we can improve trade, strengthen business partnerships, and develop our people, we'll have achieved something meaningful for both countries."
The Papua New Guinea Fiji Business Council will work closely with governments, business organizations and the private sector to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries.
