Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua stated that enhancing economic and trade cooperation is a primary focus of the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum.
The three-day forum provides a platform for government officials, members of the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils, business owners, investors, and trade officials to develop strategies that strengthen cooperation in sectors such as trade, tourism, and business relations between Australia and Fiji.
Qereqeretabua highlighted that such forums serve as catalysts for promoting economic collaboration through new and innovative approaches. She recognized Australia’s critical role as Fiji’s largest tourism source, key trade partner, and diverse export market, as well as a significant source of remittances and investment.
She emphasized Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific as a gateway to emerging trade markets, presenting significant opportunities for the export of agricultural products like taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil.
Between August 2023 and January this year, Fiji saw 15 investment projects from Australia, primarily in information and communications technology (ICT), renewable energy, and tourism, indicating a growing economic relationship between the two countries.
Qereqeretabua encouraged delegates to collaborate on innovative solutions for new business challenges and to seek out opportunities for dynamic economic recovery. She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the forum to strengthen enduring economic and trade partnerships.
The forum also underscored the practical implementation of the renewed Vuvale Partnership, which was established by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October of the previous year. This partnership centers on three main priorities of Fiji’s foreign policy: sovereignty, security, and prosperity, while promoting cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
Overall, the forum represents a significant advancement in the joint efforts of both nations to further cultivate Fiji-Australia bilateral relations and reinforce their bonds of friendship through the renewed Vuvale Partnership.