The Australia Fiji Business Council applauds the initiative of Air Pacific and Qantas to commence services directly between Canberra and Nadi.

The establishment of a new Air Pacific gateway in Australia which becomes the first scheduled international services using Canberra International Airport is indeed an exciting initiative, and highlights potential business synergies between Canberra and Fiji.

The Fiji economy is growing strongly, and creates many business opportunities for Canberra companies.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji anticipates record growth in 2004 led by the building and construction and wholesale and retail trade sectors. The Prime Minister, an experienced banker and economic manager, has set a target for growth of 8% in 2005.

Fiji, like Canberra, has a thriving tourism industry and also has embarked on a journey to attract new economy industries.

Fiji’s tourist industry recorded a record number of arrivals in 2003, and is expected to set another record in 2004.

Air Pacific, Fiji’s national airline, recently reported a record profit in 2003. Air Pacific has an aggressive expansion program over the next five years with new fare schedules, expanded schedules and a re-equipment program.

The construction sector in Fiji is booming, with significant new developments having been commenced in tourism infrastructure and up to $2 billion in new projects under way or due to commence by the end of 2005.

There is strong external investment in the tourism and high level residential sectors.

At Denarau Island near Nadi work has commenced on the new Novotel Hotel, the Hilton Villas have almost sold out although construction is only just getting under way, and up to $90 million in private residential construction is planned over the next three years in already sold-out residential subdivisions. Other developments well advanced in planning and about to commence include the Four Seasons resort at Natadola beach and plans for the new Marriott at Momi Bay."

Employment growth is occurring in new economy industries such as film and television production, and there are new back office processing industries now established in Fiji and considerable scope for expansion.

Canberra movie goers may soon be visiting the cinema to watch Anaconda 2 when it is released in a few months. Anaconda 2 was shot wholly in Fiji, and other productions are set to soon follow.

When the flight coupon, your ticket, for your journey from Canberra to Fiji is processed in a back office it will be in a high tech processing centre in Fiji which processes many airlines documents including Qantas and Air New Zealand.

Fiji has world class international communications facilities available to it through its direct access to the Southern Cross Cable, which runs from the USA down to Australia and New Zealand, which provide broadband access for business in Fiji who need such technology.

There are many other synergies between Canberra and Fiji which can be exploited by the business communities in both countries.

The opportunities for doing business and making investments in Fiji are now better than they have ever been. Canberra business is urged to look carefully at the confidence shown in Fiji’s future by existing long term investors and seek opportunities for expanding business relationships.

27 June 2004