SEVERAL initiatives targeting economic development between Fiji and Australia were factors that contributed to the success of bilateral talks between the leaders of the two countries in Suva yesterday.
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison labelled the meeting as a fruitful one.
The major initiatives announced included:
- Fiji’s inclusion in the Pacific Labour Scheme;
- $17.1 million investment to send 3000 hours of Australian television content into the Pacific over the next three years to Pacific broadcasters;
- $84m education partnership with the University of the South Pacific to lift teaching standards;
- Australia will cover travelling cost for a Fijian team to compete in the New South Wales Rugby League Super Premiership in 2020 and Fiji would be hosting preseason for NRL matches in 2021; and
- Australia will assist Fiji on a comprehensive border security assistance package.
