The three-day 2024 Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum, described by Australia-Fiji Business Council president Allison Haworth West as the year’s most significant event for bilateral trade, concluded yesterday.
In her closing remarks, Ms. West summarized the day’s presentations, expressed gratitude to the organizers and attendees for the success of the forum, and extended an invitation to potential members to join, while reminding current members about next year’s event, which will take place in Australia.
Ms. West emphasized the importance of personal connections in business, noting the strong networking displayed throughout the forum. She remarked on the exceptional communication and dialogue between government representatives and attendees, highlighting recurring themes such as migration, infrastructure, and education.
Fiji-Australia Business Council president Vera Chute also provided a recap of the event, which kicked off with a dinner on Thursday night. She noted the valuable sharing of information and remarked on an announcement from Australian Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Clair McNamara, who stated that Australia has recently signed grant agreements totaling $F157.3 million for Fiji, aimed at addressing priorities under the Vuvale partnership. Additionally, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific confirmed over $F232 million in loans and grants for investments in areas such as aviation, transport, maritime, energy, and climate change.
Investment Fiji chair Jenny Seeto indicated that an investment of approximately $500 million could elevate Fiji’s growth to five percent, while Australian Trade Commissioner for the Pacific Tim Houghton spoke about infrastructure opportunities in Fiji reaching a value of $US750 million ($F1654.95 million).
Amid discussions of significant financial commitments, delegates were reminded by Westpac Pacific managing director Emma Low to prioritize investing in people. This sentiment was echoed by Kelera Cavuilati from MDF, who shared case studies from her work with local islanders, as well as Marc McElrath from McDonald’s Fiji, who emphasized the importance of good governance.
Over 200 delegates participated in the three-day event.