Australian support fuels Fiji’s outsourcing industry expansion

SUVA, FIJI — The Australian government has played a crucial role in the rapid growth of Fiji’s business process outsourcing (BPO) and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) sectors. 

This support is part of a broader commitment to strengthening the Vuvale partnership between the two nations.

Vuvale partnership lays foundation for sustainable growth

Fiji’s Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting that it lays the groundwork for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Fiji’s outsourcing industries in the global market. 

“The Australian government has been quite instrumental in supporting the growth of the BPO sector. They initially funded the study of the sector to determine whether it was a good sector to get involved in as a country. And so, from there, they started working with governments to support the industry. So now it’s number four in terms of foreign exchange into Fiji,” Kamikamica stated.

Australian investments boost Fiji’s outsourcing sector

At the same time, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald highlighted their country’s pivotal role in the sector’s growth. 

He pointed out that the partnership between Australia and Fiji includes the market development facility, a critical component of the Australian High Commission’s work. 

“That partnership, as part of it, has the market development facility, which is a very important aspect of the work we do in the Australian high condition. Of course, with Outsource Fiji and its members since 2019, we’ve been looking at the growth and employment potential of the sector,” McDonald said.

McDonald also noted that the outsourcing sector has become Fiji’s fourth-highest foreign exchange earner post-COVID-19, underscoring its importance to the country’s economy. 

The sector’s evolution into a significant economic contributor highlights the success of the collaborative efforts between Fiji and Australia.

A beneficial partnership between Fiji and Australia

Kamikamica expressed confidence in the benefits of the partnership, which has not only bolstered the BPO sector but also contributed to the overall economic resilience of Fiji. 

The continued support from Australia is expected to enhance the sector’s growth and sustainability further, ensuring that Fiji remains competitive in the global outsourcing market