Australia has praised the strong leadership of the Fijian Government when it responded to Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Speaking at the Australia-Fiji Business Forum at the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney,  yesterday, the Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Keith Pitt said, the speed and magnitude of Australia’s response to Tropical Cyclone Winston matched the high regard in which they held Fiji and its people.

“And the way we delivered that emergency response under the strong leadership of Fiji’s Government was, I think, a case study in how two partners can work together in the face of great adversity to make a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of citizens,” he said.

He said he was really pleased to see a diverse range of businesses in the audience.

“I know that Austrade has led at least seven trade missions to Fiji over the past three years, working with over 80 businesses to explore the opportunities that exist.”

He said in his role he had thoroughly enjoyed getting an opportunity to work with Fiji and its leaders over the past year or so.

“So much so I’ve been to Fiji twice this year, along with other visits to major Pacific Island countries like Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tonga.”

He said he was very much looking forward to the Kangaroos playing the Fiji Bati in Suva today.

The match, he said, was a warm up for the Rugby League World Cup starting later this month in Australia. He was pleased to note Fiji would be playing two of their three pool matches in Townsville, in his home state of Queensland.

He said Government was currently working on a Foreign Policy White Paper, to help them chart Australia’s way in the years ahead.

The White Paper, he said, would make clear that stronger ties with the Pacific were among their highest priorities.

This was affirmed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull  at the 2016 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, when he committed to a step change in Australia’s engagement in the Pacific.

PM reveals new zone

developed in Lautoka

Government is developing a Services and Manufacturing Zone in Fiji’s second-largest city, Lautoka, reveals Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

This revelation was made by MrBainimarama while delivering the keynote address during the forum.

“The zone will bring together modern, robust infrastructure and premier connectivity, along with plug and play facilities, making it a prime target for investment in the production of high-quality finished goods and components,” he said.

“By partnering with them in this project, they could take advantage of Fiji’s position as the hub of the Pacific, with the best network of transportation by air and by sea, and join them as they were poised to become part of the supply chain of manufacturers in Asia and Australia.”

Mr Bainimarama later met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for talks.