The 28th Fiji-Australia/Australia Fiji Business Forum held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, drew over 200 delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and across Fiji. This year’s forum was the largest in the history of the event, with a diverse group of participants that included government officials, business leaders, industry experts, and development actors from various sectors. The high-profile presence of three Fijian ministers highlighted the importance of the event, underscoring the close ties between Fiji and Australia.
FABC President Vera Chuta delivers the welcome address.
Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, opened the forum outlining the deep connections and shared responsibilities between the two nations, particularly in addressing new economic challenges. Fiji Australia Business Council (FABC) President Vera Chute echoed these sentiments, stating the forum’s role as a unique platform to tackle pressing issues and explore future opportunities.
Australian Acting High Commissioner Clair McNamara also reinforced the significance of the Vuvale Partnership, which was renewed in October 2023. McNamara announced that over FJD 157.3 million had been secured through new grant agreements, focusing on priorities across the five pillars of the partnership. This renewed partnership is key to fostering a resilient and sustainable economic future for both nations.
The forum provided a platform for engaging presentations and discussions on significant economic developments. One key takeaway was Fiji’s inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), making it the only Pacific Island nation in an agreement that accounts for 40 per cent of the world’s GDP and one-third of global trade. This ground-breaking inclusion positions Fiji as a critical player in regional and global trade.
Investment Fiji also presented key data, revealing that infrastructure investment projects valued at FJD 6 billion are planned for Fiji through 2030. Austrade contributed by detailing a pipeline of 104 infrastructure packages worth FJD 1.7 billion, covering essential projects from six procuring agencies, including the Water Authority of Fiji, Fiji Roads Authority, and Energy Fiji Ltd.
Other sectors, such as tourism, business process outsourcing (BPO), and renewable energy, were also highlighted. Notably, July 2024 marked Fiji’s largest-ever month for tourist arrivals. The forum also addressed the Na Vualiku Project, a sustainable tourism initiative for Vanua Levu, financed by the World Bank with over USD 200 million.
Allison Haworth West, President AFBC at the Forum’s inaugural session.
The three-day event concluded with AFBC President Allison Haworth West praising the forum’s success in fostering critical business connections and partnerships. She extended an invitation to the next forum in Australia in 2025, ensuring that the momentum continues to build for both nations’ economic growth.
Highlighting the important role that the Business Councils play in building national economies, the AFBC said, “For any of you here representing Australian companies who are not members of the Australia Fiji Business Council I encourage you to take the step to membership so you can be more fully engaged in being part of the Council’s network which can add value for your business.”
