Anticipation is building as agriculture and tourism are set to take the spotlight at the upcoming Australia-Fiji Business Council on the Gold Coast next week. The Fijian government will be represented by a high-profile delegation, including Deputy Prime Ministers Dr. Biman Prasad, who oversees the finance portfolio, and Manoa Kamikamica, responsible for trade and commerce. Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna will also be present, emphasizing the significance of this annual event, which stands as a key platform for dialogue on bilateral trade and investment, especially with Australia being Fiji’s largest trading partner.
The conference will see participation from leaders across various sectors, including aviation, tourism, banking, ports, transportation, commerce, and industry. A notable highlight will be the recent entry of the Sri Lankan conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC into Fiji’s agriculture sector, which is expected to generate significant interest. This multi-billion dollar company, while already contracted to manage Fiji’s ports, has recently announced plans to reshape the country’s commercial farming landscape. Investment Fiji has articulated that this initiative aims to leverage Sri Lankan plantation expertise alongside Fiji’s agricultural potential to modernize farming practices and introduce sustainable agro-technology, ultimately promoting local food security and enhancing export growth.
Fiji’s geographical proximity to Australia—less than a five-hour flight from the eastern seaboard—positions the island nation favorably for agricultural projects that promise to stimulate the economy. Recent reports indicate that several Chinese companies are establishing large-scale warehouse-based farm operations in Fiji to supply premium fruit and vegetables to Australia and Asia. Additionally, Fiji’s cooperation with Australia on biosecurity and quarantine operations presents further opportunities for enhanced trade.
The tourism sector is another focal point, with Australian visitors contributing up to $FJD1.5 billion annually to Fiji’s economy. Opportunities for employment of Fijians in the Australian tourism industry are also on the rise, making the discussions surrounding labor mobility particularly timely. Kamikamica is likely to reinforce Fiji’s stable and welcoming economic climate to Australian stakeholders, promoting the country as an ideal destination for business and investment.
He will also emphasize the government’s commitment to uplifting the rural economy through innovation in farming technology, job creation, and support for smallholder farmers by connecting them with new market avenues.
The potential for fruitful discussions and partnerships at the Australia-Fiji Business Council represents a positive step towards reinforcing the already robust economic ties between the two nations. With ongoing collaboration, the future looks bright for both Fiji’s agricultural and tourism sectors, paving the way for mutual growth and prosperity.
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