From the financial capital of India to the Pacific Islands, Rohan Parekh’s global perspective and commitment to fostering investment opportunities highlights his role as Investment Manager at Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) New Zealand.
Hailing from the bustling South Asian financial hub of Mumbai, Rohan brings with him a wealth of experience shaped by the high-paced, competitive investment environment of his hometown. His journey from Mumbai to New Zealand is a testament to his relentless drive for, and pragmatic approach to, creating and supporting businesses.
Mumbai’s financial ecosystem is renowned for its intensity, and it was here that Rohan honed his skills. “The Mumbai investment environment taught me to be proactive and work hard to spot and pursue opportunities. It prepared me well to roll up my sleeves and get in there,” Rohan said, reflecting on his work ethic.
His career has seen him travel the globe, establishing a robust network and gaining deep insights into the investment world. This extensive exposure has not only broadened his perspective, but also equipped him with the ability to understand and navigate diverse cultural and business landscapes. “Very early on, I was fortunate to have opportunities to meet and establish strong bonds with so many intelligent minds from diverse backgrounds and cultures, by working and travelling in multiple countries. This certainly shaped my outlook and decision-making, to consider the world from their perspective,” he shared.
Since joining PTI NZ in November 2021, Rohan has been instrumental in leveraging and expanding the organisation’s investor network. His tenure at PTI NZ has seen significant milestones, especially in shifting investor focus to the Pacific region. Initially there were challenges, such as limited knowledge about opportunities, and concerns about scale and climate-related risks. However, with PTI NZ’s decades-old institutional knowledge and the support of its leadership and that of his colleagues, Rohan has excelled in addressing these obstacles, fostering a network of investors interested in opportunities in the Pacific.
“Our investment programme is an integral part of who we are and what we do for the Pacific region,” PTI NZ Trade Commissioner Glynis Miller said. “As a regional trade and investment promotion agency for the Pacific, it is incumbent upon us to bring the Blue Pacific continent to the attention of foreign investors, but more importantly, to help the Pacific to become more investment ready, to attract the kinds of investors that are truly genuine and considerate of the uniqueness of our region.”
Building Bridges and Creating Opportunities
Rohan’s role at PTI NZ is multifaceted. He is deeply passionate about finding investible opportunities in the Pacific Islands for investors in New Zealand, India and other parts of the world. His ability to establish and maintain strong relationships is one of his key strengths. “Both investors and investees deserve the respect, time, and regular updates – something I learned in my early days,” he said. This approach has led to several successful investor introductions and has facilitated numerous investor visits to the Pacific Islands region.
Rohan’s extensive travels across the islands have enabled him to meet with the private sector, offering specialist advice and assistance to help businesses become investment ready. His efforts are not just about financial gains; they are also about fostering sustainable growth and development. “Pacific people have strong family values and culture, and are passionate about doing good for their communities – which is something I am also in sync with,” he noted. His alignment with the core values of the Pacific communities has made his work even more impactful.
With Rohan at the helm of its investment programme, PTI NZ has expanded its network and project portfolio across various sectors. Rohan’s proactive approach and strategic efforts have helped introduce PTI NZ to the broader investment world and project its image as the go-to organisation for investment in the Pacific Islands. “PTI NZ is an excellent platform, and with its goodwill in the region it has given me the boost to shift gears further and deliver at a faster pace,” he said, highlighting the synergy between his personal drive and the organisation’s mission.
In Rohan Parekh, PTI NZ has a dedicated investment manager committed to driving positive change. His journey from Mumbai to the Pacific highlights his dedication, cultural appreciation, and a passion for making a difference. As he continues to bridge gaps and create opportunities, PTI NZ and its stakeholders can look forward to steady growth and promising developments under his guidance.
