Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua has emphasized that enhancing economic and trade cooperation is a top priority for the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils Joint Forum.
Over the course of three days, this Forum provides an important platform for government officials, members of the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils, business leaders, investors, and trade officials to discuss strategies aimed at enriching trade, tourism, and overall business relations between Australia and Fiji.
Qereqeretabua noted that such Forums serve as crucial stepping stones for advancing economic collaboration by fostering innovative approaches and solutions. She recognized Australia as Fiji’s primary source of tourism and a vital trade partner, highlighting its significance as a diverse export destination and an important market for remittances, coupled with a substantial investor base.
She explained that Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific grants it enhanced access to emerging trade markets, presenting significant opportunities for exporting agricultural products like taro, ginger, kava, mahogany, and coconut oil, among others.
During the period from August 2023 to January of this year, Fiji saw 15 investment projects from Australia, predominantly in the fields of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), renewable energy, and tourism, reflecting the increasing economic ties between the two nations.
Qereqeretabua encouraged participants to collaborate on innovative strategies to tackle new business challenges while also exploring adaptive and dynamic recovery opportunities for the economy.
She expressed gratitude to the Fiji-Australia and Australia Business Councils for organizing the Forum, which aims to strengthen enduring partnerships for improved economic and trade relations.
The Forum also reviewed the practical execution of the renewed and enhanced Vuvale Partnership, which was signed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese in October of the previous year.
This Partnership centers on three priorities of Fiji’s foreign policy: sovereignty, security, and prosperity, while promoting collaboration across various domains, including infrastructure, economic development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
Overall, the Forum represents a significant advancement in the collaborative efforts of both nations to deepen Fiji-Australia bilateral relations and strengthen the bonds of friendship through the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.