Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua has stated that promoting stronger economic and trade cooperation is a primary focus of the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum. The three-day event provided a platform for government officials, members of both business councils, business owners, investors, and trade representatives to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing collaboration in trade, tourism, and other business relations between Australia and Fiji.
Qereqeretabua emphasized that forums like this serve as catalysts for advancing economic cooperation through innovative strategies and solutions. She acknowledged Australia as Fiji’s largest tourism source and trade partner, which also plays a key role in remittances with a robust investor base.
She highlighted Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific as advantageous for accessing emerging trade markets, showcasing significant potential for agricultural exports like taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil. Between August 2023 and January of this year, Fiji saw 15 investment projects from Australia, primarily in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), renewable energy, and tourism, which illustrates the strengthening economic ties between the nations.
Qereqeretabua urged attendees to collaborate on innovative strategies to tackle new business challenges and explore dynamic opportunities for economic recovery. She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the forum to foster enduring partnerships for enhanced economic and trade relations.
The forum also looked at implementing the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership, signed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October of last year. This partnership prioritizes Fiji’s foreign policy goals of sovereignty, security, and prosperity while promoting cooperation across sectors like infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchanges.
Overall, the forum represents a key development in the collaborative efforts of both nations to strengthen Fiji-Australia bilateral relations and mutual friendship through the renewed Vuvale Partnership.