Sugar & farm livelihoods: A Labasa grower warns farmers may quit sugar unless the 2026-2027 Budget boosts support, including easier access to finance and closer coordination between the Sugar Industry and Agriculture ministries. Energy security: Fiji’s fuel bill hit $711m in 2024, pushing calls for a faster renewable transition before subsidies end, as diesel and petrol costs remain high. Fuel price relief timing: Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says any global easing won’t show up immediately in Fiji due to supply-chain lag, though contingency planning continues. Budget priorities: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the national Budget will focus on jobs, vulnerable groups, and continued backing for key sectors like sugar. Women & regenerative food: A new Idea2Market regenerative bioeconomy pilot will coach Fiji and Samoa women entrepreneurs to turn local biodiversity into premium products for hospitality and retail. Tourism digital push: SPTO launched an upgraded multilingual consumer website to help travellers discover Pacific destinations. Maritime & ocean economy: Fiji and Panama backed a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” highlighting threats from fishing and deep-sea mining. Climate talks: Bonn negotiations ended in gridlock on adaptation and emissions-cutting, with UN climate chief warning of “you-first” standoffs. Disaster readiness: Tuvalu police highlighted the Pacific Response Group’s value after joining regional disaster-relief training.