Fiji-New Zealand Business Council

Click here to view Officers & Executives of 2004-2005

The Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC) was set up in 1987 to maintain, support, promote and encourage trade, investment, technical and economic cooperation and tourism between Fiji and New Zealand.

The Council, through its Secretariat, the Fiji Islands Trade and Investment Board (FTIB), provides a network for its members, develops the level of exports to New Zealand, trains its members in quality issues, and lobbies Government about trade issues.

The 78 Council members consist of established manufacturers, exporters, service providers, bankers and business professionals.

New Zealand is one of Fiji's traditional trading partners, with both countries exporting to, and importing from each other.

The level of trade has increased dramatically over the last few years and Fiji remains keen to increase its export capacity to New Zealand.

The aim of the Fiji New Zealand Business Scheme, therefore, is to improve the performance of Fiji's private sector, and to identify and improve exports to New Zealand in terms of quantity and value.

The New Zealand Government, through the FijiNZBC provides the following assistance to the private sector:

This fund targets potential and existing exporters seeking to develop their own marketing or professional capabilities.

Companies must be operating their business for at least 12 months and have developed an export plan.

Applications must include a demonstration on how the EEF will contribute to the success of their export plan.Funding covers feasibility studies, consultancies, or materials that directly lead to an improvement in overall performance and export opportunity.

Funding is provided through reimbursement on a dollar for dollar basis. A maximum of 510,000 is provided for each project, or up to 50% of the total cost, whichever is less.

Activities considered under the Fund include:

Implementation of an export plan
Market research in New Zealand
Development of packaging and labelling to meet New Zealand market requirements
Product development, design or quality improvement to meet New Zealand market requirements
Development of export promotion materials for use in the New Zealand market
Registration of patents or trademarks in New Zealand
Implementing a branding strategy in New Zealand
Implementing quality standards.
Activities resulting in improvement in exports to New Zealand

Brian's Speciality Cheese Company in Taveuni was assisted under the EEF, and says,

" My company was able to create a suitable export pack for New Zealand, and the sale of products have steadily increased during the 12 months ever since. "

" For our small business enterprise, the assistance given by the FNZBC has been invaluable allowing us to enter the export arena well before our budget would have otherwise permitted."

Funding is available for management and staff of private sector business organisations to:

help existing businesses improve their performance in a more competitive environment
assist industry wide training

Assistance is provided to organisations aiming to improve business or industry performance and output. Small businesses that may not normally have resources to fund training, are given priority. Industry groups are also encouraged to apply. The BTF encourages training for women in the community.

Assistance is provided in the form of:

on-the-job work attachments in New Zealand/Fiji
in-country training programmes using consultants; and
participation in specialist training programmes

Costs are covered for travel, course fees and provision of consultancy to undertake training. Funding is available on a reimbursement basis. Living costs for individuals are not included.

Fiji Television Ltd received assistance under this Scheme by sending the host of the afternoon Children's Program, Mr Inoke Bainimara, for training in New Zealand.

Chief Executive of Fiji Television, Mr Peter Wilson, says,

"Inoke received training in producing and presenting Children's Television. As a result, Inoke has advanced in confidence and ability, and is producing GET SET, TALANOA, and 0 VITI MAKA WA (Sights & Sounds Of Fiji) programs. "

" The Business Training Fund has enabled Fiji One Television to increase the amount of local programming and has also assisted in the localising of the management team, resulting in improved financial performance Thank you for the assistance !"

South Seas Orchids Limited, Nadi encouraged local women to plant and sell orchids and anthuriums. Mrs Eileen Burness of South Seas Orchids Limited organised a seminar, funded under the BFT and says

"A Hawaii based consultant was brought in to teach local women on proper methods ofgrowing and harvesting orchids and anthuriums. "

"It enabled the women to understand the plants the ' v were dealing with, which gave them the ability to grow them properly. "

"... without the workshops, it would have been harder to get our scheme started. "

The Fiji New Zealand Business Council, its sister agency, the New Zealand ? Business Council, and the South Pacific Trade Commission in Auckland can be contacted to assist in finding attachments or consultants.

Application forms for the Export Enhancement Fund and the Business Training Fund are available on this website and can also be picked from the Fiji Trade and Investment Board, 6th floor, Civic Tower, Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji Islands.