Allison Haworth West, president of the Australia-Fiji Business Council (AFBC), expressed her disappointment regarding the lack of representation from the Australian Government at this year’s Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum, being held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. She emphasized the role of businesses in fostering strong connections between the two nations that could yield mutual benefits.
“This week is significant in the Pacific with the Pacific Island Forum taking place in Tonga, which has engaged many Australian political leaders,” Ms. West noted. Despite efforts from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the High Commission to encourage political attendance, she remarked that the timing was not favorable.
She added, “Nonetheless, I must express my disappointment in the absence of senior Australian political representatives who should be present.”
Ms. West highlighted that fostering business opportunities is crucial for creating sustainable economic relations between Australia and Fiji. She acknowledged that while there is a strong commitment from Canberra toward Fiji and the Pacific, the importance of personal engagement cannot be overlooked.
While she appreciates the supportive public policy from Australia, she emphasized that active engagement is central to fostering stronger ties. “Aid, grants, loans, and other initiatives are beneficial, but the essence of collaboration lies in direct engagement,” she stated.
She concluded that the discussions at the forum would create a valuable opportunity for developing further business ventures, prosperity, and societal well-being, ultimately supporting economic growth for both nations.