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, came to a successful conclusion yesterday.
In her closing remarks, Ms. West summarized the presentations from the event and expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants for their contributions, encouraging non-members to join and reminding existing members about next year’s forum, which will take place in Australia.
She emphasized the importance of personal connections in business, noting the prolific networking observed over the past few days. Ms. West highlighted the exceptional communication and dialogues that took place among attendees and with government representatives, identifying key themes such as migration, infrastructure, and education.
Fiji-Australia Business Council president Vera Chute also reflected on the event, which began with a dinner on Thursday evening. She urged attendees to take full advantage of the information shared during the forum.
Ms. Chute conveyed a noteworthy update from the deputy Australian High Commissioner, Ms. Clair McNamara, announcing that Australia had signed new grant agreements totaling F$157.3 million for Fiji, aimed at addressing priorities across the five pillars of the Vuvale partnership. Additionally, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific confirmed over F$232 million in loans and grant financing to support the Fijian government’s investment priorities in areas such as aviation, transport, maritime, energy, and climate change.
Investment Fiji chair Jenny Seeto noted that an investment of approximately $500 million could boost Fiji’s growth to five percent. Australian Trade Commissioner for the Pacific, Tim Houghton, shared information about infrastructure opportunities in Fiji valued at $US750 million (approximately F$1.65 billion).
Ms. Chute reminded delegates of the need to invest in people, a sentiment echoed by Westpac Pacific managing director Emma Low, who emphasized the significance of human resources. The importance of good governance was highlighted by Marc McElrath from McDonald’s Fiji, alongside case studies presented by Kelera Cavuilati from MDF that showcased her work with local islanders.
Over 200 delegates participated in the successful three-day forum.