Officials of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Officials of the Australian High Commission,

Subject matter specialists from the University of Adelaide,

Pacific Trade officials and distinguished delegates,

Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.

I am pleased to welcome you all today at the inauguration of this crucial training programme on International Trade.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the University of Adelaide, the Australian High Commission and the Australian Government for their unwavering commitment to assisting the Pacific in building capacity of our government officials in the realm of international trade through this specialised training course.

I am genuinely delighted that, through Fiji’s request for assistance in capacity building, this invaluable training opportunity is now being extended to other Pacific Trade officials also. This collaborative approach exemplifies our shared commitment to enhancing trade expertise and fostering economic prosperity across our region.

Together, we have the opportunity to leverage this training to bolster our collective efforts in regional and multilateral forums, shaping discussions, and advocating for the interests of our region on the international stage.

I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained here will empower you all to navigate the complexities of global trade and create lasting positive impacts for our respective economies.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This momentous occasion also marks a significant milestone achieved by Fiji this month, as we recently concluded our fourth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 21 July 2023. The commendations and support we received from WTO members have further strengthened our resolve to actively participate in multilateral forums such as the WTO.

I must express our sincere appreciation to Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, H.E George Mina, for his exemplary representation and valuable contribution as the discussant. His eloquent words, emphasised the significance of the Pacific region’s contribution to the WTO, inspiring us to further engage and actively shape discussions on global trade matters.

During the review, Fiji received numerous invitations from WTO members to participate in the Joint Statement Initiatives and other negotiations, recognising our potential as a pivotal player in shaping discussions in multilateral trade forums.

Hence, this training opportunity holds immense significance for our trade officials as it will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in multilateral trade negotiations. This, in turn, will enable us to better represent the interests of our nations and drive economic growth and sustainable development.

The benefits of such trainings are manifold. The knowledge gained will enable us to navigate the complexities of international trade and position ourselves as active and influential participants in shaping global trade discussions. Moreover, it will reinforce the pivotal role of Fiji and other Pacific nations in advocating for the interests of our region and amplifying our collective voice on the international stage.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we develop these skills, we fortify the foundation of Fiji’s Vuvale Partnership with Australia — a bond that plays a vital role in fostering economic growth and prosperity for both our nations and the broader Pacific region. The inclusivity of this programme reflects the spirit of this partnership, where we stand united in our pursuit of sustainable economic development.

I am confident that the knowledge gained from this training will empower us to make significant contributions not only to Fiji’s trade landscape but also to the Pacific’s collective interests on the global stage.

As I conclude, I encourage all participants in this training course to make the most of this invaluable opportunity.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the University of Adelaide and the Australian Government for their sincere efforts in designing a Pacific-specific training programme that will undoubtedly benefit our trade officials.

I wish you all a fruitful and enriching experience throughout this week, Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you very much.