Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua emphasized that enhancing economic and trade collaboration is a primary focus of the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum.
This three-day event provides government officials, members of the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils, business owners, investors, and trade officials an opportunity to develop strategies aimed at improving cooperation in various fields, including trade, tourism, and business relations between the two countries.
Qereqeretabua noted that such forums serve as launching pads for advancing economic collaboration by introducing innovative strategies and solutions. She highlighted Australia’s significant role as Fiji’s largest tourism provider, key trade partner, and diverse export market, as well as a vital source of remittances due to its large investor network.
Additionally, Qereqeretabua pointed out that Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific grants access to emerging trade markets, which present substantial opportunities for Fiji’s agricultural exports, including products such as taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil.
Between August 2023 and January 2024, Fiji reported 15 investment projects from Australia, primarily in sectors such as Information and Communications Technology, renewable energy, and tourism, further underlining the strengthening economic ties between the nations.
She urged delegates to work together on innovative solutions to tackle emerging business challenges and to identify adaptive and dynamic opportunities for economic recovery.
Qereqeretabua expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the forum aimed at fostering lasting partnerships for robust economic and trade relations.
The forum also reviewed the practical implementation of the renewed Vuvale Partnership, which was established by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October of the previous year. This partnership prioritizes Fiji’s foreign policy goals of sovereignty, security, and prosperity, and promotes collaboration in sectors like infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
Overall, the forum represents a crucial advancement in the collaborative efforts of both countries to deepen Fiji-Australia bilateral relations and friendship through the enhanced Vuvale Partnership.