Fijian businesses took products ranging from garments and kava to locally made fragrances to Port Moresby in October, using a three-day trade and tourism expo to meet potential buyers and distributors. The visit built on Fiji’s 2025 trade mission to Papua New Guinea and the re-establishment of the PNG–Fiji Business Council, as Fiji looks to diversify its export markets within the Pacific.
The Fiji High Commission hosted one-on-one meetings on 6 October before the public expo opened at Vision City Mega Mall from 7 to 9 October. The meetings brought visiting businesses together with PNG buyers, investors and prospective partners. Investment Fiji, Tourism Fiji, PNG’s Investment Promotion Authority and Vision City partnered with the High Commission on the expo.
The public showcase gave exhibitors a chance to see how shoppers responded to their products. Among those featured were garment manufacturer Danam Fiji, Fiji Kava and Perfume Fiji, alongside Fiji Airways, Tourism Fiji and Travel Planners. Perfume Fiji founder and managing director Rupeni Rokoratu told The National he wanted to establish the brand in PNG. His company had launched its fragrances in Fiji earlier in 2026, making Port Moresby an early test of demand outside its home market.
From introductions to distribution
Investment Fiji trade promotion manager Radhika Mani said the expo gave exporters a platform to show what Fiji could supply to a market that imports many consumer goods. The High Commission identified agriculture, tourism, information technology, health and technical services as areas for closer commercial ties. For consumer brands, the immediate opportunity is to find local distributors that can place products with retailers and handle repeat orders. For tourism operators, the expo provided direct exposure to Papua New Guinean travellers and travel businesses.
The High Commission’s post-event report highlighted the business connections made during the visit. First Secretary Anasilini Maravu told The National the mission was looking to bring more Fijian companies and products to a larger expo next year. In the meantime, distribution agreements and repeat orders will give a clearer indication of which products can gain a foothold in PNG.
Picture courtesy: Investment Fiji Facebook page
