Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua highlighted the importance of stronger economic and trade collaboration during the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum. The three-day event was an opportunity for government officials, business council members, business owners, investors, and trade officials to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation in key areas such as trade, tourism, and economic relations between Australia and Fiji.
Qereqeretabua noted that these forums serve as a foundation for advancing economic partnerships by initiating innovative strategies and solutions. She recognized Australia as Fiji’s largest source of tourism, a vital trade partner, and a diverse export destination, as well as a key player in remittances with a significant investor presence.
She emphasized that Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific allows for better access to emerging trade markets, presenting considerable potential for Fiji’s agricultural exports, including taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil.
Between August 2023 and January of this year, Fiji saw 15 investment projects from Australia, predominantly in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), renewable energy, and tourism sectors, highlighting the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Qereqeretabua urged delegates to collaborate on innovative strategies to tackle new business challenges and to explore adaptive economic recovery opportunities. She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the forum, which aims to foster enduring partnerships for enhanced economic and trade relationships.
The forum also focused on the practical implementation of the renewed 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 and promotes cooperation in various sectors including infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
Overall, the forum represents a significant stride in the collective efforts of both nations to strengthen Fiji-Australia bilateral relations and mutual friendship through the renewed Vuvale Partnership.