The three-day 2024 Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum, described as “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.
During her wrap-up address, Ms. West highlighted the day’s presentations, expressed gratitude to organizers and attendees for a fruitful forum, and encouraged non-members to join. She also reminded existing members of next year’s forum, which will take place in Australia.
“We all know that people connections are fundamental to business, as evidenced by the interactions over the past few days,” Ms. West stated, commending the networking that occurred. She noted that communication and dialogue among participants and with government representatives were exceptional.
Key themes discussed included migration, infrastructure, and education. Ms. West extended her thanks to the organizing committee for their excellent work throughout the event.
Fiji-Australia Business Council president Vera Chute also shared her reflections over the three days, noting that the event commenced with a dinner on Thursday night. She remarked, “It has been a full day of abundant information sharing, and I hope that you have learned as much as I have.”
Chute highlighted remarks made by Australian Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Clair McNamara about Australia signing new grant agreements worth over $157.3 million for Fiji, aimed at addressing priorities across five pillars of the Vuvale partnership. Additionally, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific confirmed over $232 million in loans and grants for key sectors like aviation, transport, maritime, energy, and climate change.
Investment Fiji chair Jenny Seeto indicated that an investment of roughly $500 million could boost Fiji’s growth to five percent, while Australian Trade Commissioner for the Pacific Tim Houghton revealed that infrastructure opportunities in Fiji are valued at approximately $750 million.
Chute emphasized the importance of investing in people, a message echoed by Westpac Pacific managing director Emma Low and also addressed by Kelera Cavuilati, who shared insights from her work with local islanders, and Marc McElrath from McDonald’s Fiji, who discussed good governance.
Over 200 delegates participated in the event, which fostered strong connections and discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations.