Coping in the time of COVID

The social impacts of COVID-19 pandemic such as the mental health of business owners and communities is an ongoing and global concern.  As the coronavirus affects the global population, safeguarding our mental health is especially important.  The PTI Network’s Pacific Business Monitor survey, a monthly pulse check of SMEs includes a section entitled ‘personal well-being’ that acknowledges the emotional toll a crisis has on a…

Farewell to Ian Furlong

Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTI NZ) bids a fond farewell to Trade Development Manager Ian Furlong who has been an essential part of the PTI NZ team for the past four years. Before working with PTI NZ Ian spent more than 20 years’ with global giant Coca-Cola Amatil, and was their GM in Fiji….

Problem solvers find solutions for Pacific businesses

Finding affordable solutions to freight and logistics issues are EIF International’s speciality. Speaking to 18 participants at the Digital Path to Market Workshop for Papua New Guinea in July, Business Development and Relationship Manager at EIF Gautam Kishor says the New Zealand owned business is active in the Pacific region. “We are trying to make…

Emerging Pacific Island leaders put theory into practice

Each year Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) New Zealand offers three exceptional students the chance to gain real world experience by participating in a three-month internship. Acting Trade Commissioner Glynis Miller says the internship offers real-life on-the-job training in the three areas covered by PTI NZ: communications, investment, and trade.  “There’s no better way to build…

Fiji investment in focus

Despite the current outlook Covid-19 provides for the Pacific, there is still a healthy appetite to invest in the region. This was demonstrated at the recent Investment Seminar, organised by the Whanau Community Trust. The Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) New Zealand team presented the key address to more than 50 potential investors who gathered in…

Boutique business dedicated to strategy and innovation

Freshfish Studio is all about purpose, and there has never been any doubt about what Founder and Director Raul Sarrot wants to achieve with his boutique design business. A Designer, Strategist and Coach specialising in helping transform organisations and brands to align and connect with their internal and external audiences, Raul’s vision of owning a…

Getting it right the first time

(Picture caption: GS1 Customer/Member Engagement Manager Caroline James.)  Equipping businesses with the correct tools and information to find solutions to issues is what GS1 Customer/Member Engagement Manager Caroline James does best. Caroline has done just that for the 15 Fiji-based participants who joined the online Path to Market Business Capability Building Workshop facilitated by Pacific…

Deal by Design

(Picture caption: Kata Fiji Bongo Chilli Sauce supports Fijian farmers.)  Hot enough to pack a punch but not overpower your food, Kata Fiji Bongo Chilli Sauce is made from fresh, ethically sourced, and locally grown Bongo chillies. It is the hot sauce which supports Fijian farmers, Kata Fiji owner Scott Wade says. “Fiji Bongo Chillies…

COVID-19 impact on the Pacific survey

(Picture caption: Contact Trade Development Officer at PTI NZ Riley Birtwistle Riley.B@pacifictradeinvest.co.nz to register for the survey.)  As the COVID-19 situation changes, so will we. To gain a better understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 on Pacific businesses, the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) network of offices in Australia, China, Europe and New Zealand collaborated on…

An essential cup of Tanna Coffee

(Picture caption: Tanna Coffee farmers are paid on a per kilo basis, depending on the quality of the beans.)  An audible sigh of relief resounded when Tanna Coffee was deemed an essential service during the recent alert level four lockdown in New Zealand, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting the tick of approval from the…

A strategic reset for Investment Fiji

(Picture caption: Investment Fiji’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Craig Strong.)  Investment Fiji is embracing the new normal with a strategic reset. The current COVID-19 pandemic has given a new perspective to world leaders, trading partners and neighbouring countries as measures on limiting travel, quarantining citizens, and cancelling large gatherings such as sporting events, concerts…

Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand responds to COVID-19

(Picture caption: Interfacing with New Zealand-based distribution channels is proving useful. It has helped PTI NZ understand the appetite of New Zealand distributors of fresh and processed goods from the PICs to the types of changes that are likely to occur in the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.)  As we enter the second week of being…