Dear Members of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council,
APIBC President Simon Gorman. Pic: Dev Nadkarni
I am proud to be able to address you during this season of celebration and renewal. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this Business Council, and I am committed to advancing our shared mission of strengthening business and economic partnerships across the Pacific.
The past year has been one of significant progress and collaboration for our Council. The APIBC has continued to foster meaningful connections across the whole Pacific Island Region this year including a special effort to reach out and work with our Northern Pacific Counterparts.
Through the Councils deep and long standing connections across the region and within our own government we have continued our efforts to advocate for policies that enable sustainable economic growth in the Pacific Islands region. The collective activities of our members bridge across climate change and renewable energy initiatives, financial services, shipping and logistics, health, trade in food, materials and agricultural services. Our members are also involved in infrastructure development in sectors such as Health, Ports and Marine, Education and Water and Sanitation. Through these activities our members contribute significantly to the prosperity and resilience of our region.
The Pacific Islands are vital partners for Australia, and the strength of our relationships is built on trust, shared values, and mutual aspirations. In 2024, we saw inspiring examples of innovation, resilience, and collaboration from businesses across the region. These achievements underscore the importance of our Council’s role in supporting and championing the opportunities that lie ahead. The year has not been all rosy with some members in New Caledonia facing political and social instability , and our friends in Vanuatu, Tonga and Fiji either facing climate related events or still bouncing back from past years impacts.
As we look to 2025, I am excited about the potential for deeper engagement and new initiatives that will drive economic growth and foster closer ties between Australia and the Pacific Islands. Together, we will continue to address challenges and seize opportunities that benefit our members and the broader region.
During this festive season, and on behalf of the APIBC Executive Committee I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our members, our council secretariat , and partner government representatives for your unwavering dedication and contributions to the Council’s work.
Your active participation and commitment are the cornerstone of our success. Let us take this time to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our shared goals, and look forward to the year ahead with optimism and determination.
On behalf of the Council, I wish you, your families, and your teams a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May 2025 bring renewed opportunities, strengthened partnerships, and continued success for us all.
Simon Gorman
President
Australia Pacific Islands Business Council
