FIJI TIMES 20 February 2020 – PACIFIC Trade and Invest Australia (PTI) achieved a record outcome of more than $A28 million ($F41.2m) in trade and investment facilitation in 2019.
Trade & Investment Commissioner Caleb Jarvis said: “Personally, I’m extremely proud of the work that we have done to empower women in business.
I’m pleased to share that in 2019 40 per cent of the businesses that we worked with were woman-led or women owned.
“These are the best results in our 40 years working in the Pacific and represents 12 times return on investment for both PIFS and the Australian Government.
“We couldn’t be here tonight without the support of our partners in both the public and private sector.
“We are a small organisation, our partners play an important role amplifying our reach and the effectiveness of our work in the Pacific.
“I am extremely proud to lead an organisation that continues to inspire on so many levels and creates long-lasting impacts for the Blue Pacific — I would like to thank the incredible team I have working beside me as we look towards an exciting future for PTI Australia,” he said.
Mr Jarvis spoke at the 40th anniversary celebration of PTI Australia held at the conclusion of the Forum Trade Ministers (FTMM) meeting last week.
He said it was an honour to lead Pacific Trade Invest Australia in their 40th year and gave special thanks to the secretary-general Dame Meg Taylor for her ongoing support and her leadership especially bringing together the Pacific.
“In 1979, we were the first office established in the Pacific Trade Invest network.
“I’d like to acknowledge the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, especially the secretary-general and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for providing support, encouragement and funding over the last 40 years.”
Also at the function was the Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Simon Birmingham who said the longevity of PTI Australia and the outstanding outcomes achieved was a clear illustration of Australia’s commitment to working with the Pacific to grow a prosperous region.
“It’s fantastic to be here with the Trade Ministers from the Blue Pacific as well the Pacific private sector to acknowledge this important milestone for PTI Australia celebrating 40 years of driving trade and investment in the Pacific,” he said.
