A NEW direct flight and a massive economic injection from a sporting partnership are underscoring the Vuvale (family) relationship between Australia and Fiji, signalling a strong outlook for shared prosperity.
Addressing the attendees at the 29th Australia Business Forum, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Nita Green says this forum reflects the strength of our shared commitment to growing Fiji and Australia’s economic partnership and prosperity.
“You often hear our Prime Minister talk about Fiji and Australia as Vuvale, which means family. We say it often because it is true,’’ Green said.
“Our family, our values, and – most importantly for our business community here tonight – our connections run deep, including into my hometown of Cairns.”
The new Fiji Airways direct route between Cairns and Nadi is expected to service an additional 53,000 travellers every year.
That’s on top of the nearly half a million inbound Australian visitors to Fiji every year.
“It’s connections like these which we will celebrate tonight and grow over the next few days: as partners, and as family,’’ Green said.
The minister said Fijians and Australians looked out onto the same part of the world and shared a vision for a region which should be peaceful, more connected and prosperous.
” We share a responsibility to work together, to help each other, to grow our economic partnership, and together, improve the economic and social well-being of our communities and our people,’’ Green said.
“We are here to grow our trade and investment relationship, in support of Fiji’s export development and growth.’’
Green said during a time of global uncertainty, the trade ministers’ meeting underscored the region’s commitment to transparent, open, and rules-based trade.
“We aim to listen to Pacific voices and support our people in reaching their potential, including over 5000 Fijian workers in the PALM scheme annually, nearly 5000 Fijian students studying in Australia, and our development partnerships in health, education, gender equality, and social protections for vulnerable communities,’’ Green said.
“This is because we are connected. And we are more than just partners. We are family.’’