Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, says Fiji remains a promising place to do business.

And she believes this is by no means an accident.

“Rather, it is the result of the diversity of Fiji’s economic mix,” she said.

“This includes tourism, construction, financial services, ICT services, a range of fresh and processed exports, a healthy garments sector and more.”

Ms Fierravanti-Wells is here for the tripartite gathering of the Fiji, Australia and New Zealand Business Councils at The Pearl in Pacific Harbour which ends today.

She highlighted whatever ups and downs might affect Fijian and Australian government-to-government relationships from time-to-time, well-developed business links should continue to exist and thrive.

“And it is important that we ensure the right framework exists for them to thrive,” she told the delegates.

“The good news is that demand for Fiji goods remains strong in Australia and New Zealand and vice versa.”

Ms Fierravanti-Wells added the recovery is the result of hard work, by businesses such as those in the room, to remain competitive in the face of sometimes rapidly changing circumstances.

“Your economic resilience is also a result of Fijian Government policies over the past few years which have seen Fiji progress along the road of serious economic reform,” she said.

“Work being done to rationalise and improve the performance of state-owned enterprises is a perfect example.

“Just as the work of keeping a business competitive is never really done, neither is the work of economic reform ever really done.

“It is certainly been the Australian experience that the two go hand in hand.”

Ms Fierravanti-Wells added economic reformers need to be talking to business to find out what is working and what is not.

“Business needs to be clear with government about the directions they want to take and perhaps sometimes, to understand that high quality, lasting reform does not happen overnight,” she said.

She further said this is where forums like this are so valuable, if we approach them with energy and intent.

Edited By: RACHNA LAL