Fiji’s economic achievements are garnering attention in Australia, suggesting a growing and stronger relationship between the two nations. Tim Ayres, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Trade, emphasized that “Australian families love Fiji,” highlighting the deep affection Australians have for the island nation.
Speaking via Zoom at the opening night of the 2024 Fiji Australia-Australia Fiji Business Councils Joint Forum in Suva, attended by over 200 delegates, Ayres expressed pride in being part of Fiji’s economic success, which has primarily been driven by tourism with significant Australian involvement.
He noted that the two-way trade in goods and services between Australia and Fiji increased from $812 million in 2021 to $3.2 billion in 2023, a remarkable rise of nearly 294 percent. This surge is attributed to the strong demand from Australian tourists, who are drawn by Fiji’s close proximity, competitive pricing, and enhanced flight options.
In 2023, Fiji welcomed almost 930,000 visitors, exceeding pre-pandemic figures by four percent, with nearly half coming from Australia. Ayres also highlighted the broader economic collaboration between Fiji and Australia, which spans agriculture, fisheries, and business process outsourcing.
Australian businesses exported $562 million worth of goods to Fiji in 2023, with support from Pacific Trade and Invest (PTI) aiming to boost Fijian exports to Australia. PTI facilitated $49 million in exports, predominantly from kava, which has seen Fiji become the second-largest kava exporter to Australia, with 123 tonnes imported in the past year.