PNG, almost half of island nations face elections in 2024 – an overview
In 2024, national elections are anticipated in some 64 nations, along with the European Union, encompassing nearly half of the world’s population. 2024 has been termed the ‘mother of all election years’. Elections are also due to be held in several Pacific Island...
NZ’s U-turn on deep-sea trawling raises concerns
New Zealand’s recent shift in stance on deep-sea trawling has ignited a flurry of discussions among conservationists, raising eyebrows globally. The decision to backtrack on a previously supported proposal to curb bottom-trawling in the South Pacific has left many...
Almost half of island nations face elections in 2024 – an overview
In 2024, national elections are anticipated in some 64 nations, along with the European Union, encompassing nearly half of the world’s population. 2024 has been termed the ‘mother of all election years’. Elections are also due to be held in several Pacific Island...
Fiji FDI rises marginally, but investment remains sluggish
Despite a marginal increase in global Foreign Direct Investment inflows in 2023, reaching an estimated $1.37 trillion, economic uncertainties and higher interest rates have impacted overall investment. The United Nations Conference on Trade & Development...
APIBC President, team meet Pacific Office head in Canberra
Australia Pacific Islands Business Council President, Mr Simon Gorman, Managing Director of Reeves International, and members of the Councils executive made an introductory call on Ms Elizabeth Peak, Head of the Office of the Pacific in the Department of Foreign...
Nauru shifts allegiance from Taiwan to China
Nauru has announced its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal relations with China. This development comes on the heels of the recent presidential election in Taiwan, where William Lai Ching-te from the ruling pro-sovereignty Democratic...
Revival of Vanuatu’s Tourism Industry Hinges on Cruise Ship Visits
In a promising turn of events for Vanuatu’s tourism sector, the Department of Tourism has announced the anticipated arrival of 50 cruise ships in the upcoming months, signalling a resurgence in the archipelago’s tourism activity. The majority of these vessels are...
Growth of tourism is enabling investment: Brent Hill
In the resilient bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic, Fiji’s tourism sector has emerged triumphant, boasting a remarkable recovery that has propelled visitor levels to heights reminiscent of the pre-pandemic era. Amidst this resurgence, the heart of innovation...
‘Numerous opportunities for business and investment in Fiji’
The Australia Fiji Business Council’s 37th Annual General Meeting was held in Brisbane on 16 November. Allison Haworth West was re-elected as President (see end of the story for a note on the Council’s new officers and committee). Allison Haworth West is Executive...
Fiji loses two industry stalwarts days apart
Fiji lost two of her business pioneers and industry stalwarts in the first week of the New Year. Rich tributes have been paid by the Fijian government and business organisations around Fiji for the two men whose contribution to the growth of Fiji is indeed...
Global economic headwinds impact Fiji – Reserve Bank
A summary of the reserve Bank of Fiji’s December Economic Review compiled by the Australia Fiji Business Council’s Communications Team.* Global Economic Headwinds Impact Fiji In the face of a weakening global economic environment, Fiji grapples with subdued growth in...
AIFFP unveils comprehensive inaugural annual update
The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) has launched its inaugural Annual Update, providing a detailed insight into the organisation’s activities, achievements, and overall impact since its inception. As of June 30, 2023, the AIFFP has...