Fiji's economy is strong and the Government has solid reform credentials - Coulton

Fiji will soon be allowed to export breadfruit to Australia.

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Mark Coulton has announced this saying that they are also working on imports of fresh chillies and capsicum from Fiji.

Coulton says the new breadfruit pathway will create more export opportunities for the Fijian farmers.

He adds that he hopes to see quick results in terms of work on fresh capsicum and chilies.

Coulton has also stated that Fiji's economy is strong and the government has solid reform credentials.

He adds that Fiji also has robust and well‑maintained infrastructure, and a pipeline of investments in productive infrastructure.

He made these comments while speaking at the 24th Annual Fiji Australia Business Forum which was held at the Fiji Marriott Resort in Nadi.

The Assistant Minister has recognized that Fiji has strong ambitions to increase agricultural exports and is actively seeking market access into the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Coulton has also revealed that the new Pacific Labour Scheme now allows an additional 2,000 workers from the region to take up work in rural and regional Australia for up to 3 years in growth sectors like agriculture, tourism and aged care.

He has added that if one takes the unique skills, knowledge and strong work ethic of Fijian farmers, and pairs it with the skills they bring back to Fiji from Australia, then they have a clear win‑win partnership.

He says the number of seasonal workers is set to grow in the years ahead, which is an opportunity for Fiji.