HUNDREDS of business leaders and stakeholders are expected to gather in Suva today as the Fiji-Australia and Australia-Fiji Business Councils mark 40 years of strengthening trade, investment and private-sector ties between the two countries.
Australia High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts said the forum’s success should ultimately be measured by what happens after the discussions, particularly through new business connections, partnerships and investment opportunities.
He said businesses should leave the forum with a clearer understanding of the opportunities emerging from the Vuvale Union over the next decade and greater confidence in the commitment of both governments to supporting investment, economic growth and employment.
For Australia, Mr Roberts said the private sector also provided an important perspective on where governments should direct support and investment.
“The voice of business is crucial in our understanding of where we should as a government invest and support business and the stakeholders we need to engage,” he said.
“Some of the biggest opportunities come from strengthening the foundations that support business growth, including skills development, standards and quality infrastructure, connectivity, and a predictable business environment.
“These are all areas where Australia and Fiji are working closely together. And they are all areas we will do more work on under the Vuvale Union.”
The focus on the private sector reflects a broader shift towards viewing businesses as key drivers of the economic relationship, rather than governments being the only actors responsible for strengthening bilateral ties.
While governments can establish policies, build infrastructure and support skills development and economic co-operation, businesses ultimately make investment decisions, create employment and develop new products and services.
“Governments can create the conditions for growth through policy, infrastructure, skills development and economic co-operation.
“But it is businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, invest capital and turn opportunities into tangible economic outcomes.”
The Business Councils have played a role in facilitating that private-sector engagement for four decades.
Mr Roberts said much of the strength of the Fiji-Australia relationship had been built through people-to-people connections, with the councils providing businesses with a platform to establish relationships, identify commercial opportunities and raise issues directly with governments.
Their role extends beyond organising business events, with the councils providing an avenue for the private sector to influence discussions around trade and investment and advocate for practical solutions to challenges facing businesses.
The councils are also membership-based organisations, led by volunteers from the business community.
Mr Roberts said generations of business leaders had contributed their time, experience and networks to strengthening commercial ties between Fiji and Australia.
“Reaching 40 years is a significant achievement and reflects the enduring commitment of businesses in both countries to building a stronger, more prosperous Australia-Fiji partnership.”
With the Joint Forum bringing together hundreds of delegates, the anniversary comes at a time when both countries are looking to deepen economic cooperation under the Vuvale Union.
The challenge now is to turn the relationships and discussions generated through the forum into concrete investment, business partnerships and jobs in the years ahead.
