The Chief Minister will lead an ACT Government and Canberra Business Chamber trade mission to the pacific this week.
The mission will focus on the capital cities of Wellington and Suva and include the signing of a historic agreement to establish the Council of Pacific Capital Cities, a new partnership between the capitals of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The Council will expand to include other pacific capitals over time.
The Chief Minister says the agreement reflects a growing need for capital cities in the Pacific to work together on shared priorities.
"Our cities face common challenges - from the impacts of climate change to pressures on housing and infrastructure," Mr Barr said.
"Through this Council, we're committing to practical cooperation and knowledge sharing that will strengthen our communities and support sustainable, inclusive growth. This is also an important step in recognising the role of cities in regional diplomacy. City-level collaboration can drive innovation, create economic opportunity, and build people-to-people connections that national governments alone cannot."
"Under the agreement, the cities will commit to a three-year work plan, supported by annual summits hosted on a rotating basis. The Council will also promote trade, tourism and transport connectivity as well as community, business, education and arts sector exchanges across the region."
While in Wellington, the Chief Minister will meet with local officials to discuss the next phase of the Canberra–Wellington Sister City Partnership, which was established in 2016. The partnership has grown to support collaboration in business, tourism, education, and cultural exchange. A key shared priority is to re-establish direct flights between Canberra and Wellington.
The program in Wellington will include business events hosted by the Wellington City Council in partnership with the Canberra Business Chamber. Another highlight will be the participation of HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy's flagship, in a special program of events. This will include a Freedom of Entry parade through the city by 250 Navy crew members, volunteer community work, and an AFL match between Australian and New Zealand Navy teams.
In New Zealand, the Chief Minister will also meet with key aviation, tourism and business distribution partners in one of Canberra's largest international tourist markets and conduct a site visit to the new Auckland International Convention Centre.
The Fiji leg of the mission includes meetings with the Deputy Prime Ministers Biman Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica, Fiji Airways and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Suva City Council, reinforcing the ACT's commitment to strong regional city partnerships.
Following previous successful trade missions, many ACT businesses are expanding their operations in Fiji including Aspen Medical, EPC Solar and ONA Coffee.
The cost of the Chief Minister's participation is approximately $9,500. This is met from within the existing ACT Executive budget. The final cost will be reported as part of the regular travel reports.
