Fiji joining Trans-tasman bubble would be major boost
As talks continue to set up a Trans-tasman bubble that could potentially include Fiji would be the best development after getting over the worst of COVID-19.
The other day, for the first time since World War Two, the Cabinets of Australia and New Zealand held a joint meeting online to discuss a conflict of a different and complicated nature.
Like Fiji, tourism plays a crucial role in their economies. The border closure has devastated the industry. Reopening it would kickstart the industry and strengthen the respective economies.
For Fiji It would provide the lifeline that the industry needs to recover. The bulk of tourists who come to Fiji for a holiday are from Australia and New Zealand. So it will be a major boost to our economy. It would be wonderful gesture on the part of Australia and New Zealand to allow us to join them.
It would strengthen bilateral relations, trade and economic co-operation between the three countries. Australia and New Zealand have been generous in their assistance to help us cope with impact of COVID-19 and Tropical Cyclone Harold. They were the first to arrive with their help after TC Harold.
They should also be impressed with Fiji’s excellent achievement in recording no deaths and low infection rate in the fight against COVID-19.
As such we offer low travel risks as no new cases have been reported. New Zealand has also recorded no new cases and no deaths in two consecutive days. Australia has also flattened the curve. There is justification there for the three countries to consider opening the border with some requirements.
One could be a medical certificate that shows the holder has tested negative before he or she leaves the home country.
We should now prepare for the border to reopen to New Zealanders and Australians.