Fiji New Zealand Business Council Statement

MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday 8th December 2009
Available for immediate release

Fiji New Zealand Business Council Statement

For the benefit of the Fiji economy, private sector and the people of Fiji, the Fiji New Zealand Business Council seeks the normalisation of bilateral trade relations between Fiji and New Zealand, which appear to have taken a battering as a result of polarised political views and Fiji’s governance.

The FNZBC feels that in light of the removal of New Zealand's Acting High Commissioner and the withdrawal of the Trade Commissioner from Suva last year, there is even more urgency for dialogue between the Fiji and New Zealand governments. Fiji needs a Trade Commissioner and a hand up to develop its economy by aid from New Zealand or otherwise.

Travel sanctions unwittingly or unintentionally affecting sportspersons, board members of public bodies and those not directly associated with the Fiji Government, are unconscionable and destabilising. We again suggest that the New Zealand Government lifts any remaining sanctions it has imposed on the Fiji Government as a demonstration of goodwill and intention to enter into open and transparent dialogue.

The recent announcement by the Fiji Government of a new national dialogue is a constructive and positive step forward to set down the ground work for a new constitution and new democratic system by 2014.

The FNZBC is encouraged by these actions and wills both governments to outline and communicate their intended plans to further improve the situation.

ENDS

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