Australia is Fiji's second largest trade partner with over 3,000 Australian companies currently doing business in Fiji.
This was stated by the Minister for Commerce, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya while officiating at the Fiji-Australia Business Council Dinner.
The Minister says Australia remains one of Fiji's major sources of foreign investment, with investments valued at approximately AUD$1.47 billion in 2019/2020, focusing on tourism, the financial sector and manufacturing.
Koya says the Vuvale Partnership is broad-ranging and comprehensive and builds on the already strong foundations of the Fiji-Australia relationship.
The Minister also says through the Trade Commission Office in Australia, they have helped facilitate over 35 investment projects valued at $60 million and facilitated over $63 million worth of Fijian exports to Australia over the last 12 months.
He says this also includes new market access for Fijian goods such as kava, where over 30 tonnes, worth over $3 million, have been exported to Australia since the commercial pilot started in December last year.
Koya also says Fiji kava products, such as powder and tablets, will be seen in the mainstream retail market in Australia.
He adds this includes retailers such as Chemist Warehouse and in over 300 Coles stores Australia wide.
He also says Fiji and Australia have never been closer and it’s also never been a better or easier time to do business in Fiji.
He further says the new bizFiji portal is a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and investors which simplifies the process of starting a business in Fiji.
