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The recent call by Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad for visa-free travel to Australia and New Zealand is generating a lot of interest.

The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it fully endorses the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister.

NCCI President Dr. Ram Raju says this is a timely call, and without doubt, it will have far-reaching benefits for both countries.

Raju says Fiji already has the Vuvale agreement with Australia on matters of the mutual corporation and strategic development, but there was no attempt made at that time for visa-free travel.

He says “Vuvale” means “family” and my home is your home, so we should continue to push for visa-free travel, which makes sense and is the best logical step to be pushed for.

Fiji, Australia, and likewise New Zealand continue to have, for close to a century, excellent relationships and cooperation in many areas of development.

Raju says trade connectivity and investments have grown tremendously over the past 50 years, and the three countries have exchanged human resources as well.

He says visa-free travel will allow for far more connectivity, bilateral exchanges, and market access.