The Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) 2024, held in Apia, Samoa on 23–24 October as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) and associated meetings, marked a landmark event as the first such forum of Commonwealth countries hosted by a Pacific country (the last large global conference of comparable proportions held in Samoa was the Small Islands Development States (SIDS) Conference in 2014). that . Bringing together over 500 business leaders and government officials from more than 50 countries from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean, the forum served as a critical platform for dialogue on economic growth, resilience, and partnership across the Commonwealth. Under the theme “One Resilient Common Future; Transforming Our Common Wealth,” the forum aimed to address unique challenges and opportunities facing Pacific Island nations, with a strong emphasis on sustainable growth and climate resilience.
It provided an opportunity for Pacific Island countries to highlight their specific vulnerabilities and aspirations within the global economy. Business leaders underscored the need for economic strategies that not only promote growth but also adapt to climate change and environmental fragility, which are increasingly impacting island states. The forum’s location underscored Samoa’s and the wider region’s desire to establish the Pacific as a central player in international economic dialogue, promoting development that respects both the cultural heritage and environmental realities of the islands.
Australian Pacific business councils (Australia Pacific Islands, Australia Papua New Guinea, and Australia Fiji Business Councils) and Pacific islands business representatives played an active role, participating in roundtable discussions aimed at strengthening trade and investment across the Pacific. The delegation’s involvement highlighted Australia and the Pacific Islands’ commitment to enhancing economic ties in the region, with a focus on sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital transformation. The councils’ discussions centred around promoting collaborations that support long-term economic resilience and sustainability, recognising the importance of regional stability and growth.
The Business Councils’ Executive Director Frank Yourn said, “the CHOGM events including the Commonwealth Business Forum provided an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the Pacific to a major group of global countries at the most senior level.
“The Government of Samoa, our colleagues at the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the people of Samoa all played an important role in presenting Samoa as a worthy host of the event in arranging this event for 5,000+ delegates.
“Attending delegates from across the globe had a positive experience and an opportunity to learn and understand about Samoa specifically, and about the Pacific islands countries more generally. The Councils were honoured to have the opportunity of supporting the Samoan government and our Chamber of Commerce colleagues as hosts of these events.”
The Business Councils’ delegation comprised Frank Kramer (APNGBC and APIBC), George Constantinou (APIBC and APNGBC), Zane Yoshida (AFBC), William Blank (APIBC), Leata Alaimoana (TIQ), Joe Fuavao (TIQ), and Frank Yourn.
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), a member of APNGBC, also took a significant role in advancing Queensland’s interests within the Commonwealth framework. TIQ focused on building connections between Queensland-based businesses and international partners, especially in fields such as education, renewable energy, and skills development. TIQ underscored Queensland’s capabilities and commitment to the Pacific, aligning its goals with the forum’s themes of resilience and sustainable development.
The CBF 2024 facilitated invaluable opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange, aiming to foster stronger partnerships among Commonwealth nations and encourage sustainable growth initiatives. As the first CBF held in the Pacific islands region (the 2011 CHOGM conference was held in Perth, Australia), the event reflected the region’s rising prominence in global economic dialogue. The active participation of Pacific Island states, Australian Pacific business councils, and organisations like TIQ demonstrated a unified commitment to creating a resilient and prosperous future for the Pacific, focusing on its unique needs and strengths.
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Photo: Australia Pacific Business Councils delegates at CHOGM in Samoa (Photo supplied).
