AUSTRALIAN High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts says the economic partnership between Fiji and Australia remains strong, with significant opportunities for deeper integration to benefit both countries.
Mr Roberts highlighted this during Australia Day celebrations held at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence along Princes Rd in Tamavua on Friday.
Speaking on trade and investment, he said economic engagement between the two countries had reached impressive levels.
“Last year, our two-way trade was $4.4billion,” Mr Roberts said.
“That’s sort of $F6.5billion.
“And there was a significant surplus in that trade for Fiji, so Fiji traded more with Australia.”
He also pointed to tourism as a key pillar of the economic relationship.
“Of course, Australians are the number one visitor to Fiji, around 45 per cent.”
He said strong connectivity and investment flows continued to underpin the bilateral relationship.
“I love that connectivity between our countries. I love the investment flowing between our two countries.
“I love the great Fijian produce flowing in Australia.”
Sharing a recent example, he highlighted opportunities for local exporters.
“I was in Taveuni recently, and met a great cassava and taro exporter.
“It’s a great story, but I don’t think we can rest on our laurels and it make sense for Australian Fiji to be more economically integrated.”
Mr Roberts said closer economic integration would strengthen supply chains and provide mutual economic security.
“For economic systems to connect and work together, for us to build supply chains and provide economic security for each other.”
He challenged both countries to broaden their understanding of partnership beyond government and security co-operation.
“So I do want to challenge us to speak about partnership, not just in the security side and the government side, but also that partnership of sharing each other’s joint economic prosperity.”
