Approximately 100 central bank researchers, academics, business leaders and policymakers attended a two-day conference in Suva on 12-13 December to share current research on various economic and financial issues affecting the region.

The conference gave participants an opportunity to explore vital links between research and policy issues related to central banking and the private sector.

Several international agencies and central banks from outside the South Pacific region also participated in the conference as speakers, moderators and panellists. These include the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Reserve Bank of Australia and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

The conference is the outcome of some years of research collaboration between Griffith University and South Pacific central banks through funding by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was convened by Parmendra Sharma (Griffith University) and Esala Masitablua (Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of Fiji).