Australia has a pipeline of projects lined up for Fiji.

Australian Trade Commission’s Pacific trade commissioner, Sheila Lunter, made the comment at the Fiji Australia Business Council breakfast, in Suva.

“We are also seeing infrastructure projects in the tourism sector,” she said yesterday.

This as Australian company, GC Marine, was awarded a major contract to build a 134-berth marina, as part of a major development on Nawi Island, Savusavu, Ms Lunter said.

“They are in-country right now, constructing the marina and engaging local businesses in the delivery of the project,” she said.

Innovative Funding
Ms Lunter called for re-thinking of funding possibilities for infrastructure development.

“A good example of this type of innovative funding is the partnership between Airports Fiji Limited, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (as the Australian Government guarantor) and ANZ (as the commercial provider of capital) in helping fund capital works at Nadi International and other outer islands’ airports, refinancing existing debt, and addressing several infrastructure priorities of Fiji Airports Limited,” she said.

“This type of partnership can become a model for future investment, and is an example of what can be done when we work together.”

Digital Infrastructure
Ms Lunter encouraged the development of digital infrastructure to deliver a digital dividend.

“The last few years have seen more fibre optic cable rolled out across the Pacific, than in any other part of the world,” she said.

She said the outsourcing industry’s growth potential in Fiji was enormous.

“Clients point to Fiji’s familiarity, proximity, reliability, favourable time zone, neutral accent, well-educated labour pool, internet connectivity and infrastructure,” Ms Lunter said.

“Customer satisfaction is rated high.

“According to DHL Fiji, their call conversion rate is above 95 per cent.”

Financial Services Sector
Ms Lunter said the financial services sector could gain a lot through the development of digital infrastructure.

“Given Australia’s strong capability in fintech and world-leading position in contactless payment penetration, there are great opportunities for partnerships in this space,” she said.

“It is an area that I am keenly interested in exploring further.”

Tourism
Tourist arrivals in the traditional high season will pick up even further, even if many tourists are still only booking just before they plan to travel, Ms Lunter said.

“We expect this will lead to an uptick in demand for premium Australian food and beverage exports in the coming months,” she said.

“There are also new entrants to the market; businesses whose eyes have been turned towards the Pacific only recently.”

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