Today, I will travel to the Republic of Fiji to represent Australia at the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM) for my first visit as Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs.
The FTMM is an opportunity for the region to forge a common approach to addressing global challenges, and I look forward to sharing perspectives with my Pacific counterparts.
Australia, as the region’s largest economic partner, is committed to working through regional institutions towards our shared goals of stability and prosperity.
In these uncertain times, regional economic cooperation is more important than ever. Australia is proud to be a member of the PACER Plus free trade agreement, which is driving the vision of free trade and investment across the Pacific.
My visit will include meetings with Fiji’s senior ministers, and local tourism and agriculture businesses, to discuss how Australia can further support Fiji’s trade and economic diversification priorities.
I also look forward to engaging with community organisations on steps to promote rural and remote women’s economic empowerment.