In a continued effort to foster collaboration within the Blue Pacific region, Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia recently marked its active presence at the 12th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum. The event, held in Brisbane from 17 to 19 April 2023, gathered approximately 160 delegates, including government officials, entrepreneurs and business leaders from Australia and the Solomon Islands.
Participating in the forum, Jeremy Grennell, PTI Australia’s General Manager of Export, contributed to vital dialogue while facilitating numerous networking opportunities. The annual event serves as an essential platform for PTI Australia to reinforce key relationships and explore new business avenues, reminding us of the ongoing need for personal interactions and relationship-building in a post-pandemic context.
Under the theme, “Solomon Islands: Open for Business Again”, the forum, attended by a diverse group of speakers and panellists, aimed to discuss trade and investment opportunities, infrastructure development and tourism, among other issues. Notably, it marked a step towards returning to normalcy after nearly three years of global pandemic restrictions.
As a delegate and representative of PTI Australia, Grennell held significant discussions with various Solomon Island attendees. These included timber and frozen root crop exporters, whom he subsequently introduced to several Australia-based buyers and distributors.
Reflecting on the event, Grennell noted the tremendous potential for enhancing sustainable practices in the Pacific.
“It was heartening to see the potential in Pacific root crops and the opportunities available in the Australian market. These interactions remind us of the vast potential in our Blue Pacific region and underscore the need to continue our efforts in fostering business growth,” said Grennell.
A notable outcome from the forum was the recognition of the role PTI Australia has played over the years in establishing export pathways for Pacific businesses. This sentiment was affirmed by Dr Paulson Bosawai, a farmer and frozen root crop exporter from Sape Farm, who expressed deep appreciation to PTI Australia for their critical role.
“I must honestly say our trip to Australia was an eye-opener for me, to see the great potential with Pacific root crops and the market availability we have seen. Since the trip, I’ve been able to properly calculate our supply value chain and its suitability, enabling us to scale up our farm for consistent supply to Australian markets. I truly acknowledge Pacific Trade Invest Australia for the role they have played over the years to create pathways for Pacific Islanders to export their frozen products.”
The forum successfully highlighted the economic ties between Australia and the Solomon Islands and discussed the possibilities for further growth and collaboration. It provided an excellent opportunity for representatives from both nations to engage in productive discussions, building relationships that aim to drive sustainable economic growth in the region.
Grennell’s contribution, coupled with PTI Australia’s unwavering dedication to the Blue Pacific region, offers a promising outlook for the future of trade and investment.
Looking ahead, the 13th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum is set to take place in Honiara in 2024. PTI Australia anticipates further deepening its ties with the Pacific Island nation, continuing to support its development and creating a prosperous future for all.
Established in 1979, PTI Australia is an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Funded by the Australian Government, it continues to facilitate trade and investment in the Pacific Islands.
For more information regarding Solomon Islands exports to the Australian market, please contact our team here.
