Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua highlighted that enhancing economic and trade collaboration is a primary focus of the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum.
During the three-day event, Qereqeretabua noted that it provided a valuable opportunity for government representatives, members of both business councils, business proprietors, investors, and trade officials to devise strategies aimed at strengthening trade, tourism, and overall business relations between the two nations.
She emphasized that such forums are essential for fostering economic cooperation by developing innovative strategies and solutions. Qereqeretabua recognized Australia as Fiji’s largest source of tourism, its key trading partner, and a diverse export market, which plays a vital role in remittances and investment.
Highlighting Fiji’s strategic positioning as a central hub in the Pacific, she pointed out the increased access to emerging trade markets that can significantly benefit Fiji’s agricultural exports, including products like taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil.
Between August 2023 and January 2024, Fiji attracted 15 investment projects from Australia, primarily in the fields of information and communications technology, renewable energy, and tourism, indicating a strengthening economic relationship between the countries.
Qereqeretabua encouraged participants to work together on innovative strategies to tackle new business challenges and seize opportunities for adaptive and dynamic economic recovery.
She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the forum, which aims to fortify long-lasting partnerships to enhance economic and trade relations.
The forum also focused on the practical execution of the renewed Vuvale Partnership, signed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese in October of the previous year. This partnership emphasizes three key priorities of Fiji’s foreign policy: sovereignty, security, and prosperity, while promoting cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
Overall, the forum represents a significant advancement in the collaborative efforts of both nations to enhance Fiji-Australia bilateral relations and strengthen their friendship through the elevated Vuvale Partnership.