There are hopes that Fiji’s Ports Development Infrastructure Programme for Suva will draw from the experience and some of the growth patterns which New Zealand has achieved.
New Zealand Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, Matua Shane Jones, made these comments during his recent visit to Fiji.
Mr Jones said he recently met the chief executive for the Port of Auckland who was willing to help Fiji.
“I had a meeting the Ports Auckland because the infrastructure in our New Zealand Port is always a matter of debate. We have some extraordinarily busy ports in New Zealand,” he said.
“I know the chief executive for the Port of Auckland is very interested in seeing what role they might play in enabling the ports infrastructure to be upgraded in Fiji.
“This is because without infrastructure, the shipping lines can lose confidence.”
Mr Jones stressed shipping lines are constantly reviewing how they can be more profitable and efficient.  He therefore said it is a challenge for New Zealand just as it will be a challenge for Fiji.

Shipping confidence
Meanwhile, Mr Jones, who recently met with senior executives from Swire Shipping in New Zealand, got their assurance of seeing Fiji as the hub of the Pacific.
“The Swire executives, along with other shipping interests, are anxious that Fiji create and maintain momentum so that it achieves its potential as the hub of the area,” he said.
But, Mr Jones said in order for a hub to be successful, there has to be productivity and it has to be competitive so that investors will establish enterprises which employ people.
“At the end of the day, all enterprises want to be able to operate commercially and successfully.
“And it is important that Fiji, in such vision as having a hub has the necessary capital investment but at all time realises that competition is always just waiting around the corner.
“It is either there as a lurking beast or as a reminder that the market is never static and is always competitive.”

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