Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua highlighted the importance of stronger economic and trade cooperation at the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum. This three-day event provided a platform for government officials, members of the business councils, business owners, investors, and trade officials to discuss methods for enhancing collaboration in areas like trade, tourism, and business relations between Fiji and Australia.
Qereqeretabua noted that such forums are crucial for promoting economic cooperation through innovative strategies. She recognized Australia’s significant role as Fiji’s foremost tourism source, trade partner, and a major market for exports and remittances. Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific enhances its access to emerging trade markets, particularly for agricultural exports such as taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil.
The Assistant Minister reported that from August 2023 to January this year, Fiji secured 15 investment projects from Australia, primarily in the fields of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), renewable energy, and tourism, demonstrating the strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Qereqeretabua urged participants to work together on innovative solutions to tackle new business challenges and seize dynamic economic recovery opportunities. She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the forum, which aims to enhance long-lasting partnerships for robust economic and trade relations.
The forum also reflected on the practical implementation of the renewed Vuvale Partnership, signed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October of the previous year. This partnership emphasizes three key elements of Fiji’s foreign policy: sovereignty, security, and prosperity, and promotes cooperation in multiple sectors, including infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
This event represents a crucial advancement in the bilateral relations between Fiji and Australia, reinforcing their friendship through the renewed Vuvale Partnership.