Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Hon Manoa Kamikamica congratulates Zane Yoshida on his election as AFBC President during a recent visit to Suva. Pic: Dev Nadkarni.
The Australia Fiji Business Council’s new President is Zane Yoshida, Founder of The Calmer Co (formerly known as Fiji Kava). He was elected as the 15th President of the Council (AFBC), effective immediately, at the Council’s 38th Annual General Meeting on November 21.
The AFBC is an independent association of businesses based in Australia with interests in Fiji. It is the peak business body for business between Australia and Fiji.
The AFBC was established in 1986 with the aim of providing a framework within which the private sector can communicate with the Australian and Fiji Islands governments at the highest political and policy advising levels with a view to finding solutions to trade and investment issues involving the two countries. It also provides members with an all-important network to help further their business goals in Fiji.
Zane has served as an Executive Committee Member of the Council since 2019 and as Vice-President since 2022. As President, Zane will be responsible for leading initiatives that enhance trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Australia and Fiji. His extensive knowledge and experience will be instrumental in driving collaborations and creating new opportunities for both markets.
Upon his election, Zane Yoshida commented: “I am honoured to have been elected President of the Australia Fiji Business Council. This position represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance the business connections between our two nations. I look forward to working closely with Council members to support sustainable growth and to promote the attractiveness of both Australia and Fiji as dynamic business destinations.”
“I pay tribute to my predecessor as President, Allison Haworth West, Executive Chair of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, who led the Council on behalf of members during the Covid-19 pandemic while at the same time managing her own business which like Fiji’s tourism industry and economy generally was hit very hard by the pandemic. I thank Allison for her hard work as President for 5 years. Allison will continue on the Council’s Senior Executive as Immediate Past President.”
At the AGM three Vice-Presidents were elected: Emma Low, Managing Director Pacific, Westpac Banking Corporation, and Greg Ingram, Managing Director, FNE Communications and Vice-President and Treasurer, David Gibson of Gibson Freight. Also elected to the executive committee were Mr Philip Bird (Marine and Civil Maintenance Pty Ltd), Mr Jeremy Grennell (Pacific Trade Invest), and Ms Vosawale Toganivalu-Tamani (ANZ Banking Pacific) who join continuing executive committee members Ms Allison Haworth West, Steve Hillyard, Chanh Lovan, Dakshesh Patel, and Sam Raciti.
Photo: President Zane Yoshida (Centre) flanked by (From left) Jeremy Grennell, Philip Bird, David Gibson, Steve Hillyard and Executive Director Frank Yourn. Pic: Dev Nadkarni
