More than 200 delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and various regions of Fiji gathered at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva from Thursday to Saturday last week for the 28th Joint Business Forum of the Fiji-Australia Business Council (FABC) and Australia-Fiji Business Council (AFBC). This represents the largest attendance recorded at any of the previous 27 forums.
The event brought together government officials, development organizations, business leaders, industry experts, professionals, consultants, economists, and academics, creating a diverse and influential assembly.
Three Fijian ministers spoke at the forum: Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua, and Acting Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who also officiated the opening.
FABC president Vera Chute expressed the council’s satisfaction with the high number of delegates attending, saying, “We exceeded our expectations for the number of delegates who signed up for our signature event.” She highlighted that the participation illustrates the strong ties between Australia and Fiji and the shared commitment to addressing emerging challenges.
The forum featured a live address from Senator Tim Ayres and remarks from Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Clair McNamara, who echoed sentiments on the importance of the partnership and their shared goal of fostering a resilient and prosperous economic future for the Pacific.
McNamara emphasized the significance of the renewed Vuvale Partnership established in October 2023, which aligns with the forum’s theme, “New Challenges, New Solutions.” She mentioned that over the past 10 months, they have signed new agreements worth F$157.3 million to address key priorities.
Experts delivered impactful presentations on topics including Fiji’s inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a significant agreement impacting global trade. Fiji is notably the only Pacific island nation part of this framework, which encompasses 40% of the world’s GDP.
Investment Fiji reported that the value of ongoing and future infrastructure projects in Fiji amounts to F$6 billion through 2030. Austrade presented a consolidated database of 104 infrastructure projects worth F$1.7 billion, benefiting all participating delegates.
The forum discussed various investment opportunities, including Starlink’s entry and Google’s plans to build a F$200 million Data Hub in Fiji. Attention was also given to the booming BPO sector, growth in commercial agriculture, and efforts in renewable energy.
In tourism, it was revealed that July 2024 is set to be the largest month for visitor arrivals in Fiji. The Fiji Tourism Development Program, known as the Na Vualiku Project, has already commenced its first phase, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and funded by the World Bank.
AFBC President Allison Haworth West concluded the forum by emphasizing the importance of personal connections in business and encouraged delegates to continue building partnerships. She extended an invitation to Australia for the next forum in 2025, urging everyone to maintain the momentum generated during the event.
FABC and AFBC expressed their gratitude to all sponsors and partners who helped support the Joint Business Forum, including Westpac, Fiji Airways, Swire Shipping, Vodafone, and others, as well as media partners The Fiji Times and FBC.