The three-day 2024 Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum, deemed “the most significant event for the year in bilateral trade between Australia and Fiji” by Australia-Fiji Business Council president Allison Haworth West, concluded successfully yesterday.
In her closing remarks, Ms. West reviewed the day’s presentations and expressed gratitude to the organizers and attendees for yet another successful forum. She invited non-members to join and reminded existing members of next year’s joint forum, scheduled to be held in Australia.
“People connections are fundamental to business and have been clearly demonstrated by the interactions in the room over the past few days,” Ms. West noted. “I want to congratulate everyone for their incredible networking efforts.”
She praised the outstanding communication and dialogue among attendees and government representatives, highlighting recurring themes such as migration, infrastructure, and education.
Vera Chute, president of the Fiji-Australia Business Council, also provided a recap of the event, which began with a dinner on Thursday. She expressed her hope that attendees gained valuable insights throughout the days of information-sharing.
Ms. Chute noted that Deputy Australian High Commissioner Ms. Clair McNamara announced that Australia has signed new grant agreements valued at $F157.3 million for Fiji, aiming to address priorities identified in the Vuvale partnership. Additionally, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific confirmed over $F232 million in loans and grant financing targeted at Fiji’s investments in aviation, transport, maritime, energy, and climate change.
Investment Fiji chair Jenny Seeto revealed that an investment of approximately $500 million could elevate Fiji’s growth to five percent. Australian Trade Commissioner for the Pacific Tim Houghton shared that infrastructure opportunities in Fiji are estimated at $US750 million (approximately $F1654.95 million).
Ms. Chute emphasized that while significant sums were discussed, it is crucial to “take care and invest in our people,” a sentiment echoed by Westpac Pacific managing director Emma Low. Kelera Cavuilati from MDF showcased case studies involving local islanders, and Marc McElrath from McDonald’s Fiji emphasized the importance of good governance.
Over 200 delegates attended the three-day event.