Zane Yoshida, founder of The Calmer Co, has been elected the new President of the Australia Fiji Business Council (AFBC) during its 38th Annual General Meeting. Stepping into the role after serving as Vice-President, Yoshida aims to launch a new era of economic and cultural growth between the two nations. His presidency follows a five-year term by Allison Haworth West, who guided the council through the pandemic.
A New Leader with a Clear Vision
Zane Yoshida is not new to the AFBC’s leadership circle. He has been an active member of the Executive Committee since 2019 and was appointed Vice-President in 2022. This experience provides him with a deep understanding of the council’s mission and the opportunities ahead.
Upon his election, Yoshida expressed his commitment to strengthening the economic bridge between Australia and Fiji. “This position represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance the business connections between our two nations,” he stated. He emphasized his goal to work with council members to foster sustainable growth and highlight both countries as prime business locations.
His leadership is expected to bring fresh energy and strategic direction, focusing on diversifying Fiji’s economy beyond its traditional sectors.
Building on a Strong Legacy
Yoshida takes the helm from Allison Haworth West, the Executive Chair of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. Haworth West’s five-year presidency was marked by significant challenges, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted Fiji’s tourism-dependent economy.
Yoshida praised Haworth West for her transformative leadership during this difficult period. Her efforts were crucial in maintaining strong bilateral ties and supporting the recovery of Fiji’s vital tourism industry. Her guidance ensured the AFBC remained a resilient platform for businesses even amidst global uncertainty.
A Dynamic Team to Drive Growth
The AFBC has also reinforced its leadership with several key appointments to support the new president. The new team is a blend of experience and industry expertise, poised to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the Australia-Fiji corridor.
The new Vice-Presidents bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse sectors, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the council’s initiatives.
| Name | Position | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Low | Vice-President | Westpac Banking Corporation |
| Greg Ingram | Vice-President | FNE Communications |
| David Gibson | Vice-President & Treasurer | Gibson Freight |
These leaders join an established Executive Committee that includes members from key industries like banking, trade, and engineering, creating a powerful collective to advance the council’s mission.
Future Focus on Sustainable Opportunities
Under Zane Yoshida’s guidance, the AFBC is set to prioritize several emerging sectors to promote sustainable and diversified growth. This strategic shift aims to build resilience in Fiji’s economy while creating new avenues for Australian investment and collaboration. The council’s agenda will focus on practical partnerships that deliver mutual benefits.
The key areas of focus include:
- Sustainable tourism: Developing eco-friendly tourism models that protect Fiji’s natural environment and benefit local communities.
- Renewable energy: Encouraging joint ventures in clean energy projects to support Fiji’s transition to sustainable power sources.
- Agricultural innovation: Fostering the exchange of technology and best practices to improve food security and expand Fiji’s agricultural exports.
Beyond business, the council will also continue to nurture the strong cultural relationship between Australia and Fiji. Promoting shared heritage and values is seen as a cornerstone for building lasting and meaningful economic partnerships. With this refreshed vision, the AFBC is well-positioned to enhance the bilateral relationship for years to come.
