The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lenora Qereqeretabua, highlighted that strengthening economic and trade cooperation is a primary focus of the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum.
This three-day forum is seen as an essential platform for government officials, members of the business councils, business owners, investors, and trade officials to develop strategies aimed at enhancing trade, tourism, and business relations between Fiji and Australia.
Qereqeretabua emphasized that forums like this serve as launching pads for fostering economic collaboration by creating innovative strategies and solutions. She recognized Australia as Fiji’s largest tourism source and trade partner, as well as the most diverse export market and a significant source of remittances, with a vast investor pool.
She noted that Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific enhances access to emerging trade markets, providing substantial potential for agricultural exports, including taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil.
Between August 2023 and January 2024, Fiji reportedly attracted 15 investment projects from Australia predominantly in sectors such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), renewable energy, and tourism, indicating a strengthening of economic ties between the two nations.
Qereqeretabua urged delegates to collaborate on innovative approaches to tackle emerging business challenges and seize adaptive opportunities for economic recovery.
She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the forum, which aims to foster lasting partnerships for improved economic and trade relations.
Furthermore, the forum reviewed the ongoing implementation of the renewed Vuvale Partnership, signed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October of last year. This partnership emphasizes three priorities of Fiji’s foreign policy—sovereignty, security, and prosperity—and encourages cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
The forum represents a significant advancement in the collaborative efforts between Fiji and Australia to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen the bonds of friendship through the renewed Vuvale Partnership.