The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways in collaboration with the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), through the Enhanced Pacific Market Access Partnership (MPI-EPMAP) program, will host a Mini Trade Forum from 28 July to 1 August 2025.

The highly anticipated event will introduce and operationalize the Market-Farm-Market (MFM) model, which is a market-led export promotion and facilitation initiative that shifts the focus from a product-driven model to one guided by market demand.

The MFM model aims to create more strategic and sustainable pathways for Fijian exports, ultimately building trust with New Zealand importers and opening up long-term trade opportunities.

The Mini Trade Forum will serve as a vital platform to connect Fijian growers and exporters with importers of Fijian produce in New Zealand.

Under the theme "Bridging Markets, Building Futures," Strengthening Fiji's domestic and export trade to NZ through Market-Led, Partnership and Innovation. Industry stakeholders including Pacific Trade and Invest (PTI) and New Zealand based importers, will share key insights into the NZ market and participate in direct engagements with local producers.

Key components of the Forum:

·        Market Insights – presentations and discussions from exporters, hoteliers, and other domestic markets on product requirements, quality standards and consumer preferences

·        Field visits to production sites for key commodities, allowing importers and domestic markets to evaluate quality, capacity, and potential partnerships first-hand.

·        Stakeholder collaboration among government ministries, financial institutions, shipping entities, and national and regional partners to share information on mandates and services aimed at enhancing exports will be a key focus of the MTF.

This initiative is jointly supported by the Fiji Government and the New Zealand Government, through the EPMAP and the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) programs.

The Mini Trade Forum is fully aligned with Fiji’s National Development Plan and the Ministry’s Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029, particularly Strategic Priorities 2 and 4, as well as Thematic Area 3 of the 10-Year Fiji Non-Sugar Agriculture Sector Policy. These frameworks emphasize connecting Fijian farmers to both domestic and global markets to build a competitive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural sector.

The Mini Trade Forum is scheduled to be held at Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre from 28 – 29 July and at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa from 31 July to 1 August, 2025.

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