Chief Minister Andrew Barr of the Australian Capital Territory is set to lead a trade mission this week focusing on the Pacific region, with key stops in Wellington, New Zealand and Suva, Fiji. This important journey aims to strengthen ties and foster collaboration between the capitals of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji through the signing of a historic agreement to establish the Council of Pacific Capital Cities. The council is designed to build partnerships and will eventually include other Pacific capitals.
Mr. Barr highlighted the shared challenges faced by Pacific cities, including issues related to climate change, housing, and infrastructure. He emphasized that this collaboration will enable practical cooperation and knowledge-sharing, aimed at enhancing sustainable growth within the communities. “City-level collaboration can drive innovation and create economic opportunities that national governments cannot address alone,” he noted.
As part of the mission, the trade focus will also be on promoting trade, tourism, and transport connectivity, in addition to facilitating exchanges in the business, education, and arts sectors. The Chief Minister plans to meet with local officials in Wellington to discuss the development of the Canberra–Wellington Sister City Partnership, originally established in 2016.
During the visit to Fiji, discussions are also set to take place with Deputy Prime Ministers Biman Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica, along with engagements with Fiji Airways, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Suva City Council. This reinforces the ACT’s commitment to nurturing strong regional partnerships.
Previous trade missions have yielded positive results, leading to an expansion of ACT businesses in Fiji, including companies like Aspen Medical, EPC Solar, and ONA Coffee. This ongoing collaboration represents a hopeful outlook for finance and trade relations between the regions, suggesting that continued partnership will further enhance economic development and community welfare.
The trade mission and the establishment of the Council marks a significant step in fostering regional diplomacy and cooperation in the Pacific, paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected future.
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