AUSTRALIA’s commercial ties with Fiji reached a new milestone as official representatives joined forces with local industry leaders at the HOTEC 2026 tradeshow in Nadi last week.
Austrade and Trade and Investment Queensland secured platinum sponsorship for the two-day event, underscoring the strong economic relationship between the neighbouring nations.
Australia’s Trade Commissioner for the Pacific Rachel Howard emphasised on the importance of the gathering for regional business expansion.
She commended the efforts of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) for hosting the event, noting that the trade floor offered immense potential for networking and future commerce.
“Austrade and Trade and Investment Queensland have taken up the platinum sponsorship this year,” Ms Howard said.
“I would like to thank our partners at Fiji’s Hotel and Tourism Association for putting on such a fantastic trade show.
“There are lots of opportunities here that we can see on the floor, and this is a really important tradeshow for us.”
A delegation of 12 Australian companies displayed a diverse array of goods and specialised commercial offerings.
The lineup included plant-based milk, Australian meat, dairy items, antipasti, tomato sauce, non-alcoholic spirits, premium juices, insect repellent, collagen products, and commercial kitchen design services.
Ms Howard said the exhibition served as a critical bridge between international suppliers and local businesses across the Pacific.
Nearly 500,000 Australian tourists visit Fiji annually, drawn by the renowned hospitality, making the tourism and hospitality supply chain a vital area of collaboration.
“Many of our companies that are exhibiting already work with lots of different Fijian partners, such as hotels, resorts, and distributors.
“We have got some other firms who are newer in the market, so we are looking for those partnership opportunities and for those conversations to progress in the coming months.”
