AGP Executive Report

Shipbuilding: Cabinet has endorsed plans for a $792 million Lautoka shipyard, with repairs proposed first, followed by shipbuilding under a public-private partnership. Trade: Fiji and PNG business councils want to help SMEs reach new markets and narrow a trade gap: Fiji exported K52 million in goods to PNG in 2025, while PNG sent K37 million to Fiji. Fiji is also pursuing better access to New Zealand. Energy: Energy Fiji Limited plans $2 billion in investment over four to five years, targeting 60% renewable generation by 2029 and 90% by 2035. Aviation: Fiji Airports’ $2.3 billion master plan would expand Nadi airport in phases as annual passenger numbers are forecast to reach 8.8 million by 2048. Agriculture: Pineapple production rose 45.5% in two years, but exports reached just 16.5 tonnes in 2025. A new partnership will fund branding, market research and export readiness. Kava and tourism: Fiji’s tighter kava import rules are prompting Vanuatu to consult its industry, while Fiji tourism operators are testing plans for a more coordinated response to crises.

Tourism Resilience: Fiji’s tourism sector is developing crisis-response and communications frameworks to coordinate government, operators and communities through disasters, aviation disruptions and travel-cost shocks. Digital Security: US officials say China-linked hackers compromised a Suva-based regional organisation, prompting calls for stronger cyber defences as Fiji’s telecom role grows. Maritime Industry: Lautoka is the preferred site for a proposed $792 million ship repair and shipbuilding facility, with development planned in phases under a public-private model. Energy & Aviation: EFL plans $2 billion in investment over four to five years to expand renewables, storage and grid capacity. Nadi Airport’s $2.3 billion master plan forecasts 8.8 million annual passengers by 2048. Yaqona: Growers want clarity on whether subsistence farmers will face the same registration rules and penalties as commercial operators under the proposed Bill. Agriculture: A Green Climate Fund-backed initiative will help develop a financing proposal for climate-smart agriculture, aiming to improve access to investment for farmers and agribusinesses.

Aviation: Nadi Airport’s $2.3 billion master plan sets out phased terminal, cargo and maintenance upgrades, as passenger numbers are forecast to reach 8.8 million a year by 2048. Energy: Energy Fiji Limited plans to invest $2 billion over four to five years in renewables, storage and grid upgrades, targeting 60% renewable generation by 2029; land approvals and procurement remain hurdles. Technology: Pacific firm NiuPay plans to invest several million dollars in Fiji over five years and grow its local team to 8–12 staff as it expands digital services. Yaqona: A proposed bill would require registration across the kava supply chain, with consultations raising concerns about fees, penalties and protections for small farmers. Agriculture: The Green Climate Fund approved nine months of project-preparation support for a proposed Fiji Development Bank guarantee to help farmers and agribusinesses access climate finance. Trade: Fiji and India are urging businesses to turn more than doubled bilateral trade over five years into partnerships, food processing and new markets for local producers.

Kava Industry: Farmers and vendors want clear, affordable rules for the proposed Kava Bill. A parliamentary committee says registration could improve product traceability, safety and export access, but acknowledges parts of the bill may need changes. Tourism and Aviation: Fiji Airways brings about 70% of the country’s visitors and serves 36 international destinations. Its chairman says turning more passengers into longer-stay visitors remains a challenge, including because of accommodation capacity. Digital Infrastructure: The US embassy says hackers linked to China accessed a Suva-based regional organisation’s network for several days. Fiji’s communications minister says police are investigating and urged businesses to strengthen their digital security. Agriculture: Cakaudrove goat farmer Narsaiya Naidu Chetty has been named 2026 Goat Farmer of the Year after building a diverse livestock operation over 29 years; he is planting grass to address feed shortages.

Tourism & Aviation: Fiji Airways carries about 70% of the country’s visitors, but limited accommodation capacity makes it harder to turn transit passengers into longer stays. Likuliku Lagoon Resort’s top ranking in Fiji’s luxury category adds to the country’s premium-tourism appeal. Digital Infrastructure: The US embassy says hackers linked to China accessed an unnamed Suva-based regional organisation, highlighting cybersecurity risks as Fiji grows as a Pacific telecommunications hub. Police are investigating. Agriculture & Energy: Fiji has soft-launched a $147 million agrifood portfolio. Solar upgrades planned for Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital are expected to save nearly FJ$50,000 in energy costs in their first year. Food & Fisheries: A strong El Niño could disrupt Pacific tuna fisheries into 2027, while dry conditions threaten crop supplies. Kava farmers and vendors also say awareness of consultations on the proposed industry bill has been limited. Marine Economy: Plastic found at every coastal stop on a Fiji campaign raises concerns for tourism and coastal livelihoods; officials say reefs underpin fisheries, food security and tourism, and need stronger protection.

Tourism and Waste: Plastic litter found at every stop on Fiji’s Paddle for Hope campaign is raising concern for the beaches and marine life that underpin tourism. Pacific Recycling Foundation says better collection, recycling and processing—not awareness campaigns alone—are needed. Energy Costs: Solar upgrades planned for Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital are expected to save nearly FJ$50,000 in their first year and provide backup power at the hospital and market. Agriculture Investment: Fiji has pitched a FJ$147 million portfolio for coconut, cocoa, pineapple and breadfruit projects, targeting benefits for about 31,600 households through stronger production, processing and market access. Kava Industry: Farmers and vendors say awareness of consultations on the proposed Kava Bill has been limited; the bill includes licensing requirements, and stakeholders are being urged to share their views directly with the committee. Fisheries and Farming: A strong El Niño could shift tuna grounds and fishing activity into 2027, while dry conditions are already threatening water supplies and crops on Taveuni.

Kava Industry: Labasa farmers and vendors say they had little notice of consultations on the proposed Kava Bill, which would require farmers to be licensed. Renewable Energy: Solar upgrades planned for Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital are expected to save almost FJ$50,000 in energy costs in their first year. Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna stocks and fishing activity across the Pacific into 2027, creating challenges for Fiji’s fisheries industry. Agriculture Investment: Fiji has unveiled a $147 million portfolio for coconut, cocoa, pineapple and breadfruit projects, expected to benefit about 31,600 households. Farm Impacts: Dry conditions on Taveuni have halted work at Ura Estate, sending 26 workers home as water supplies and dalo, yaqona and coconut crops come under pressure. Business Costs: Fuel-price support in Fiji includes rebates for bus operators and Energy Fiji Limited, alongside welfare increases to cushion rising transport and freight costs.

Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna grounds and catch rates across the Pacific through 2027, adding pressure to fisheries management and island economies. Agriculture: Dry weather has halted work at Taveuni’s Ura Estate, with 26 workers sent home as water supplies and dalo, yaqona and coconut crops come under strain. Agrifood Investment: Fiji has unveiled a $147 million portfolio for coconut, cocoa, pineapple and breadfruit, targeting benefits for about 31,600 households and seeking investment in production, processing and market access. Kava Industry: Public consultations are under way on the proposed Kava Bill, including a provision requiring farmers to obtain cultivation licences; farmers, vendors and exporters are urged to raise concerns directly. Renewable Energy: Planned solar installations at Labasa and Savusavu markets and Savusavu Hospital could save close to $50,000 in electricity costs in their first year.

Agrifood Investment: Fiji has soft-launched $147 million investment plans for coconut, cocoa, pineapple and breadfruit, targeting 31,600 households and seeking finance to expand production, processing and market access. Agriculture Under Pressure: Dry weather has stopped work at Taveuni’s Ura Estate, sending 26 workers home; water could run out within two weeks as dalo, yaqona and coconut crops suffer. Ba farmers also warn a prolonged dry spell could cut vegetable supplies. Energy and Costs: Fiji is pushing cleaner transport and renewable energy. Land transport accounts for about 60% of the country’s energy emissions and imported petroleum use. Solar systems planned for three Vanua Levu public sites could save nearly $50,000 in electricity costs in their first year. Farm Access: Labasa cane farmer Mohammed Khalil is supplying the FSC mill again after road repairs enabled a 48-tonne harvest, following a lost season. Export Growth: Tavua-based Fresher Marketing ships produce weekly to New Zealand and Japan, sourcing from farmers across Fiji.

Renewable Energy: Planned solar installations at Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital could save nearly $50,000 in electricity costs in their first year. Savusavu Market’s system will include battery backup, while a separate Australian-backed project will bring solar power to 13 remote Fiji schools. Agriculture: Ba businesses warn that continued dry weather could reduce vegetable supplies. In Kavanagasau, 20 farmers have trained in rice-growing as Fiji spends about $80 million a year on rice imports; water shortages and planting costs remain hurdles. Exports: Tavua-based Fresher Marketing works with local growers to supply more than 40 kinds of produce to New Zealand and Japan, shipping two to three tonnes a week to Auckland. Green Finance: The Reserve Bank says data gaps are making it difficult to measure whether Fiji’s green finance rules are directing investment towards climate-friendly projects.

Renewable Energy: Solar installations planned for Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital could cut their combined electricity bills by nearly $50,000 in the first year. Separately, an Australian-backed programme will bring solar and battery systems to 13 remote Fiji schools. Agriculture: Ba farmers warn a continuing dry spell could disrupt vegetable supplies, while 20 farmers in Kavanagasau are exploring rice as a new income source. Fiji spends about $80 million a year on imported rice, but growers cite water shortages and start-up costs as barriers. Exports: Tavua-based Fresher Marketing ships local produce to New Zealand and Japan each week, working with farmers who grow to order. Tourism: The consumer watchdog is investigating a Nadi hotel closure after guests were asked to leave despite paying for stays; the hotel has apologised and says it will refund affected customers.

Renewable Energy: Fiji is targeting 399 rural and maritime communities for solar power, with initial projects expected to serve more than 1,000 people. Australia also announced solar and battery systems for 13 remote Fijian schools. Exports: Tavua-based Fresher Marketing ships two to three tonnes of produce weekly to Auckland and seasonal goods to Japan, working with farmers who grow to order. Green Finance: The Reserve Bank says gaps in reporting make it difficult to measure whether Fiji’s green finance rules are directing investment into eligible projects. Tourism and Consumer Protection: The competition watchdog is investigating a Nadi hotel closure after guests were asked to leave despite paying for stays; the hotel has apologised and says it will issue refunds, but has not set a timeline. Water and Agriculture: El Niño-related dry conditions have prompted water deliveries to some maritime islands, with officials preparing for the possibility the dry spell will continue into next year.

Hotels and consumer protection: Fiji’s competition watchdog is investigating a Nadi hotel that closed after guests had paid for stays; the hotel has apologised and promised refunds but has not set a payment date. Climate and energy: Fiji’s Pre-COP31 talks ended with a push to turn Pacific priorities into projects, while COP31 organisers plan a proposed agreement focused on electrification. A solar rollout targets 399 rural and maritime communities, with initial funding of about $9.3 million and power expected to support farming, fishing and essential services. Green investment: The Reserve Bank says data gaps are making it hard to measure whether Fiji’s green finance rules are directing money to eligible projects, highlighting the need for stronger reporting by financial institutions. Resilience: Fiji has pledged US$10 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, while El Niño-related dry conditions have already prompted emergency water deliveries to some islands.

Energy Investment: Pre-COP31 closed in Fiji with new Pacific resilience funding and a push for electrification and renewables. Fiji says reaching remote communities will require more climate finance, mini-grids and off-grid power. Water Pressure: El Niño has prompted emergency water deliveries to some islands. WAF plans to seek funding for a permanent Dramasi supply extension, though major infrastructure upgrades are needed. Kava Exports: The Calmer Co’s new Fiji Kava FZZR drink is set to roll out in 583 Coles supermarkets in Australia from October 12, expanding the product’s retail reach. Tourism: Shangri-La Yanuca Island ranked fifth among Australia and South Pacific resorts, with four Fijian properties placing in the regional top 10.

Energy Transition: Fiji says electrification must reach remote and outer-island communities, with mini-grids and off-grid renewables key to its 2030 universal access goal. Officials are seeking faster, more accessible finance to turn clean-energy targets into projects. Development: New fortnightly agency meetings and a tracking system aim to speed approvals, with a five-day target for major applications once documents are complete. Water Infrastructure: WAF plans to seek funding for a water-supply extension to Dramasi, where residents rely on boreholes, rainwater, wells and water deliveries; major network upgrades are needed. Trade: Fiji’s first Trade and Tourism Expo in Port Moresby brings 10 Fijian businesses and organisations together to build links with PNG companies and promote exports and tourism. Kava: The Calmer Co’s Fiji Kava FZZR drink is due to roll out in 583 Coles stores from October 12, extending the brand’s Australian supermarket reach.

Climate Finance: Fiji committed US$10 million over five years to the Pacific Resilience Facility as Pre-COP31 leaders called for faster, grant-based climate funding and stronger action on emissions. For Fiji’s infrastructure and energy sectors, the challenge is turning pledges into projects. Trade and Agriculture: Fiji’s trade deficit with Australia highlights barriers to export growth, with officials pointing to agri-business, processing, infrastructure and private-sector investment as ways to help local firms compete. Regional Business: The PNG-Fiji Business Council aims to connect SMEs with partners, markets and investment across both countries. Fisheries: A new Southern Hemisphere assessment estimates at least 30,000 seabirds are caught annually in the longline fisheries studied, identifying risk hotspots to guide monitoring and bycatch reduction.