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THE Australia-Fiji Business Forum (AFBF) successfully reinforced Australia-Fiji collaboration, with plans for future engagement centred on economic opportunities and sector growth.
The forum held in Gold Coast, Australia, earlier this year concluded with a strong focus on infrastructure investment and economic diversification, highlighting billions of dollars in potential projects.
“The private sector secured a clear voice on key issues like visa regulations and the Employment Regulation Act review,” said Himen Chandra, President, Fiji-Australia Business Council.
The discussions highlighted the importance of utilising Fiji’s expanding Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector as a training platform for recent graduates and enhancing employment opportunities, while Fiji’s Minister of Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna, emphasised joint-venture prospects in agriculture between Australia and Fiji.
“These initiatives aim to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, positioning Fiji for sustainable growth in key sectors,’’ Chandra said.
“Next year’s business forum is scheduled for mid-year, around July or August in Fiji, timed to avoid electoral disruptions and maximise participation.”
He said the timing followed strategic consideration to ensure stable political conditions for engagement.
“Hosting the event in Fiji signals a shift toward more direct involvement from the Fijian government and business community,’’ Chandra said.
“The forum will build on this year’s momentum, focusing on relevant bilateral topics aligned with evolving economic conditions.
“Stakeholders were encouraged to use upcoming networking sessions to identify concrete collaboration opportunities.”
Key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and BPO were identified as pillars for Fiji’s economic expansion with actionable plans to capitalise on these areas.
Infrastructure investment discussions underscored multi-billion-dollar opportunities that can drive economic growth and job creation.
Chandra said these investments are expected to enhance connectivity and support Fiji’s broader development agenda.
“The scale of projects presents openings for Australian businesses and investors to expand their footprint in the Pacific region.
“Coordination between the government and the private sector is crucial to streamline regulatory frameworks and approvals, and leveraging these investments will require clear timelines and risk mitigation strategies to ensure delivery,” he said.
Sector Development and Workforce Mobility Initiatives
Agriculture emerged as a focal area for joint ventures.
This sector is critical to food security and export diversification, with Collaborative efforts aimed at modernising farming practices and increasing productivity.
“Partnerships will focus on sustainable methods to ensure long-term benefits, and the agriculture sector’s growth is expected to create employment and enhance rural livelihoods,” Chandra said.
The BPO sector was highlighted as a key driver for youth employment and skills development.
Fiji’s BPO industry serves as a training ground for new graduates, providing practical work experience.
He said Expansion in this sector supports economic diversification away from traditional industries.
“Investments in technology and infrastructure are needed to sustain growth and service quality, and this sector’s success contributes to Fiji’s positioning as a regional services hub,” he said.
There is active engagement to reform visa policies and employment regulations to facilitate smoother business operations and labour mobility between Australia and Fiji.
The Employment Regulation Act review is underway, with private-sector advocacy ensuring that business interests are represented.
Chandra added the review aims to update outdated provisions and align with modern labour market needs, and changes are expected to improve the ease of hiring and retaining talent across sectors.
“Clear communication and stakeholder involvement will smooth the transition process, and these reforms support the broader goal of economic diversification and competitiveness.”
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