COP31 Pacific leadership: Fiji MP Inia Seruiratu has been named Pacific Ocean Envoy, joining Marshall Islands’ Kristina Eonemto Stege (1.5°C) and PNG’s Ruel Yamuna (climate finance), as Pacific ministers back a stronger regional voice heading into COP31 in Türkiye. Fuel cost pressure: Fiji’s competition watchdog says don’t expect instant fuel or LPG price cuts even after US-Iran peace reports, warning Fiji’s pricing lags global market shifts; meanwhile chambers are pushing for fuel relief in the 2026–2027 National Budget. Agriculture testing upgrade: A $1.3m upgrade has reopened the Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory at Koronivia to improve crop, livestock feed and food testing accuracy and disease detection. Sugar industry squeeze: FSC says low cane delivery readiness could force a crushing delay, while debt is projected to climb back to about $310m; FSC also plans a single Viti Levu mill approach and a boiler upgrade to lift Rarawai capacity. Tourism investment despite costs: Major developers are still backing Fiji, with Accor and Yavu Collective signing a deal for three new branded hotels (Sofitel, The Sebel, TRIBE) adding 370+ rooms by 2027, and Tourism Fiji urging investment beyond traditional hubs. Local business & jobs: A $2.5m retail development in Labasa is set to create about 30 jobs, while chambers call for targeted budget support to protect SMEs and households. Health infrastructure: Nayavu Health Centre gets a $400,000 upgrade with full solarisation to cut fuel dependence and strengthen rural primary care. Waste incineration rejection: Fiji has rejected an Australian-backed plan to ship waste for burning, warning it would make Fiji the Pacific’s “ashtray.”