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Australia would like to welcome Fiji back to the Pacific Islands Forum but not until concrete steps are taken to ensure the return of democracy says Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, James Batley.
Batley made the remarks at the Fiji Economy Update 2009 summit at the University of the South Pacific today.
Batley said Australia as neighbours wanted to see Fiji fulfill its full economic capability.
“The Pacific Islands Forum will be meeting next week and Fiji will be absent from these talks where regional trade agreements will be deliberated. The PIF meeting will be important as it will be decided to start talks on the new trade agreement for the region the Pacer Plus.”
He added Fiji’s place in Pacer Plus talks will also be considered.
Fiji was suspended from the Forum in May for failing to announce a 2009 election date by then and has subsequently missed out on a trade ministers meeting in Samoa last month where issues relating to Pacer Plus were discussed.
“Australia remains open to informing Fiji on the Pacer Plus talks,” Batley said.
He added that Australia has been providing assistance to various sectors of the Fiji economy with the aim of improving the lives of the people in the country.
“Trading relationships between Fiji and Australia remains strong with many exporters taking advantage of the preferential treatment.”
Australia has provided the garment and footwear industry with an assistance of $3.25 million dollars and two local exporters have also been awarded assistance as their projects have helped communities. The Australian government has also support to the USP by 32 percent and will later this year sign a multi-year agreement.
The Fiji Economy Update 2009 continues at the USP’s marine lecture theater.
