FIJI is becoming a key destination for business investment, attracting the interest of leaders and prominent business entrepreneurs seeking to build partnerships that support local communities and boost economic growth.
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games, emerging opportunities for collaboration in education and industry could strengthen links between Fiji, the Pacific, and Australia, benefiting both regions.
“Government can only do so much; true success will derive from the private sector’s investments,” Queensland Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Burleigh, Herman Vorster said while addressing attendees of the 29th Australia Fiji Business Forum Opening Dinner.
“We are very ambitious for the state of Queensland, and we’re also ambitious for the Pacific,’’ Vorster said.
“We are living in contested times with geopolitical issues, but we are optimistic because our region has resources, a can-do attitude, love of country and family, and strong values.
“These are the things that make us optimistic because if we apply those values, that thinking, and that enterprise, along with the natural abundance we have in the Pacific and in Australia, the opportunities are limitless.’’
Vorster said the Global South lived in exciting times, given the abundance in this part of the world and the desire of its people to build a better future for the next generation.
“We invest in this relationship for mutual benefit, helping partners realise their aspirations,’’ Vorster told delegates.
“When our businesses partner in the Pacific, it’s about knowledge transfer and creating opportunities for Fijians, Samoans, or others we deal with.”
While emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for Fijians to uplift themselves, he added that Fiji could benefit from the lessons and expertise in Australia.
“A thriving Fijian economy means more work to be done, more opportunities to be had, and a greater capacity to build even deeper ties,’’ he said.
“We operate as family in the Pacific but as business partners.’’