Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth Phil Twyford have today announced a new investment fund to support COVID-19 recovery in the Pacific.
InvestPacific is the first private investment fund established that exclusively targets the Pacific and seeks to strengthen the region’s investment environment and enhance investment opportunities.
Minister Phil Twyford says, “Through InvestPacific, we are ensuring investments provide sustainable finance options and generate real benefits for communities, like more jobs and improved environmental outcomes – reflecting the demand from some investors for a return beyond just a financial one,”
“New Zealand is committing $17 million to the fund, which is expected to attract an additional $40 million in private investment, and will offer both flexible capital and a technical assistance facility to accelerate investments across the Pacific region.
InvestPacific also aims to leverage New Zealand-based technical expertise, relationship networks, and cultural advice to maximise benefits for Pacific Island countries.
Minister Nanaia Mahuta says, “we are prioritising the close coordination between the Pacific and New Zealand, particularly Māori and Pasifika, as a key to maintaining an indigenous focus and indigenous-led investments.
InvestPacific offers a unique, commercially sustainable programme that enables Pacific communities to realise their own goals and priorities, and improve the social and economic wellbeing,” adds Minister Mahuta.