Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged Australian businesses and investors to explore expanding opportunities in Fiji, positioning the Pacific nation as an emerging hub for trade, tourism and sustainable development.
Speaking at a Business Networking Reception and Trade Show following the launch of Fiji Airways’ inaugural direct service between Nadi and the Gold Coast, Rabuka said the new air link represents far more than improved connectivity, describing it as a platform for deeper economic engagement between Fiji and Australia.
“We celebrate new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, innovation and business partnerships, and stronger economic connections between Fiji and Queensland.”
The Prime Minister noted that the new Fiji Airways service will operate three times weekly, adding more than 53,000 seats annually and strengthening ties between one of Australia’s fastest-growing economic regions and a key Pacific economy.
He said enhanced air connectivity acts as critical economic infrastructure, supporting business mobility, investment flows, tourism growth and broader regional integration.
PM Rabuka also highlighted Fiji’s Vision 2050 agenda, which aims to transform the country into a high-income, inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy, driven by private sector investment, innovation, productivity and international partnerships.
He pointed to investment opportunities across tourism, renewable energy, ICT, agribusiness, manufacturing, infrastructure, health, education and the blue economy, urging stronger private sector engagement.
“Australia remains one of Fiji’s most important economic partners. The next chapter of our relationship must increasingly be driven by trade, investment, innovation, and business collaboration.”
The Prime Minister thanked Fiji Airways, Queensland Airports Limited and Australian stakeholders for their role in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for shared prosperity.
The event was attended by Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Paul Scurrah, Chairman Nalin Patel, Fiji High Commissioner to Australia Ajay Bhai Amrit, Tourism Fiji CEO Dr Paresh Pant, business leaders and members of the Australia–Fiji business community.
PM Rabuka was accorded a traditional welcome at Gold Coast Airport to mark the inaugural Nadi–Gold Coast flight, described by stakeholders as a major milestone in strengthening the Vuvale Partnership. He said the new route represents “confidence” in Fiji’s economic direction and Queensland’s growth, and called it a bridge for expanding trade, tourism and people-to-people links between the two nations.
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