Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua has highlighted that strengthening economic and trade cooperation is a primary focus of the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum.
Taking place over three days, the Forum provides a platform for government officials, members of the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils, business owners, investors, and trade officials to explore ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and business relations between the two nations.
Qereqeretabua noted that such forums serve as launching pads for promoting economic cooperation by creating innovative strategies and solutions. She acknowledged Australia’s significant role as Fiji’s largest source of tourism and trade partner, along with being a vital market for remittances and a key destination for exports.
The Assistant Minister emphasized Fiji’s strategic location in the Pacific, which offers opportunities to access emerging trade markets and boost agricultural exports, including products like taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil.
From August 2023 to January 2024, Fiji recorded 15 investment projects from Australia, primarily in sectors such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), renewable energy, and tourism, highlighting the strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Qereqeretabua urged delegates to work together to devise innovative strategies to meet new business challenges and to explore adaptive economic recovery options.
She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the Forum, which aims to reinforce partnerships for enhanced economic and trade relations.
The Forum also reviewed the practical implementation of the renewed Vuvale Partnership, signed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese in October last year. This Partnership is centered on Fiji’s foreign policy priorities of sovereignty, security, and prosperity and promotes cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
Overall, the Forum represents a substantial step in the collaborative efforts of both nations to further strengthen Fiji-Australia bilateral relations and the bonds of friendship within the context of the renewed Vuvale Partnership.