A new direct flight and an economic boost from a sporting partnership are strengthening the familial ties—referred to as Vuvale—between Australia and Fiji, highlighting a promising future for mutual prosperity.
During the 29th Australia Business Forum, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Nita Green, emphasized the enduring commitment of both nations to foster economic growth and shared 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,” she remarked, referencing her roots in Cairns and the deep connections shared between their communities.
The newly launched Fiji Airways direct route between Cairns and Nadi is projected to facilitate an additional 53,000 travelers annually, supplementing the nearly half a million Australians who visit Fiji each year. “It’s connections like these that we will celebrate tonight and grow over the next few days: as partners, and as family,” Green stated.
The Assistant Minister highlighted the shared perspectives of Fijians and Australians toward creating a peaceful, connected, and prosperous region. “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,” she said.
In this era of global challenges, Green noted the significance of the trade ministers’ meeting, which underscored a commitment to transparent, open, and rules-based trade practices. She expressed the importance of listening to Pacific voices and supporting local initiatives, mentioning the 5,000 Fijian workers engaged in Australia under the PALM scheme and the nearly 5,000 Fijian students studying in Australia. The development partnerships in health, education, gender equality, and social protections for vulnerable communities were also emphasized as avenues of support.
Green concluded by reiterating, “This is because we are connected. And we are more than just partners. We are family.” The expanding transportation links and economic initiatives between the two nations are poised to pave the way for shared successes, confirming the optimistic outlook for the future of their partnership.