NEW business partnerships, investment opportunities and stronger economic ties between Fiji and Australia will be at the centre of discussions today as hundreds of business leaders gather in Suva.
Fiji-Australia Business, to be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, is themed “Strategy for a shifting landscape” and will focus on issues affecting businesses and the wider regional economy.
Fiji-Australia Business Council president Himen Chandra said the forum would bring together business, government and industry leaders to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges facing the region.
“Under the theme ‘Strategy for a shifting landscape,’ the forum will provide businesses with the strategic insights, connections, and opportunities needed to succeed in an evolving regional economy,” Mr Chandra said.
The two-day program includes discussions on the macroeconomic and industrial outlook, the Vuvale Partnership, multilateral engagement, workforce trends and standards, trade and investment, energy transition, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and connectivity, destination branding and tourism.
The program also includes a strategic dialogue on the Vuvale Union, a session examining energy transition amid a fuel crisis, and discussions on opportunities linked to Brisbane 2032.
Among the speakers and panellists listed for the forum are Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts, Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Arif Ali, Investment Fiji CEO Kamal Chetty and Fiji Airways CEO Paul Scurrah.
Other participants include Tourism Fiji CEO Dr Paresh Pant, Energy Fiji Ltd chairman Rokoseru Nabalarua, Fiji Development Bank CEO and Investment Fiji chairman Filimone Waqabaca, and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee chief sport officer Christopher McConnell.
Representatives from organisations including the Asian Development Bank, World Bank Group, Austrade, Pacific Trade Invest Australia, Fiji National Provident Fund, Standards Australia and the Pacific Australia Skills initiative are also listed among the forum participants.
The program identifies the sessions as covering the macro and industrial dialogue, the Vuvale Union strategic briefing dialogue, a multilateral fireside chat, workforce and business trends, trade and investment, energy transition, Olympic opportunities and tourism and connectivity.
Mr Chandra said the forum would also look at the longstanding Fiji-Australia relationship and areas where new opportunities could emerge.
“From the enduring strength of the Vuvale Partnership to new frontiers in trade, investment, tourism, and sports (Brisbane 2032), the Forum will spark fresh conversations, forge meaningful connections, and inspire new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
He said the 2026 forum would feature speakers, discussions and networking opportunities aimed at connecting business, government and industry representatives.
