Laucala Campus, University of the South Pacific – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Biman Prasad, emphasized the need for Australia and New Zealand to be part of the Pacific story, calling for visa-free access to Pacific Island countries for citizens of these two nations. He urged that the time for this crucial development is “now.”
During his keynote address at the 11th Pacific Update Conference, held at the University of the South Pacific, DPM Prasad highlighted the importance of including Australia and New Zealand in a unified Pacific-wide single market. He emphasized that Fijian and Pacific businesses should have the opportunity to expand into the Australian and New Zealand markets, while Australian and New Zealand businesses should be able to explore growth opportunities across the Pacific region.
DPM Prasad emphasized that fostering closer economic ties between these countries would lead to the creation of larger businesses capable of navigating the challenges of a new geo-economic landscape. He expressed his concern that it is currently easier for citizens of other countries, such as Lithuanians and Latvians, to travel to Australia and New Zealand than it is for Fijians and Solomon Islanders. He called for a more equitable and inclusive approach to travel access, highlighting the need to remove unnecessary barriers and facilitate seamless movement between Pacific Island countries and Australia/New Zealand.
The Pacific Update Conference serves as a premier platform for discussions on economic, social, political, and environmental issues in the region. Co-hosted by the Development Policy Centre of the Australian National University and the University of the South Pacific, the conference brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address key challenges and opportunities in the Pacific region.
