AGP Executive Report

Ra Province Economic Push: iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu urged Ra to move beyond raw resources and build value-added industries, stronger local business and youth jobs. Fiji Water Logistics Lesson: Fiji Water temporarily ran its own shipping during COVID-19 to secure precise connectivity, using Neptune Pacific’s acquired logistics capability. Rabi Agriculture Boost: A dedicated Ministry of Agriculture office was commissioned on Rabi Island, with tours of community projects including virgin coconut oil and kava processing. Sugar Supply Crunch: Fiji Sugar Corporation warned stocks could run out by month end as cane delivery readiness sits at about 5–6% versus ~60% last year; government increased cane payments by $5/tonne. Tramline vs Diesel Debate: Opposition is growing over FSC’s proposal to close tramlines at Rarawai and Lautoka mills, with farmers warning higher diesel use and costs. Food Passport Concerns: A “Food Passport” system is being built that could merge identity, payment and eligibility into digital rationing permissions. Waste-to-Energy Plan: Fiji-registered Infinite Power Clean proposed $305m for three waste-to-energy plants to cut landfill expansion and generate renewable power. Tourism Expansion: Accor and Yavu Collective signed deals for three new hotels (Sofitel, TRIBE, The Sebel), with Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei due in early 2027. Hotel Market Update: STR says Fiji hotel performance is stabilising—occupancy averaging 77.2% and demand up, while ADR growth cools. Connectivity Upgrade: Fiji Airways launched direct Nadi–Gold Coast flights three times weekly, adding 53,000 seats annually. Livestock Health Funding: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna sought more funding for animal health and disease surveillance to protect livelihoods and food security. Construction Costs: Fiji’s Building Material Price Index rose 0.6% in June quarter, led by electrical products and cement-related items. Regional Solar Momentum: Pacific communities are training and installing solar systems to reduce diesel dependence as fuel shocks bite.

Tourism & Hospitality Expansion: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective have signed a landmark deal to add three hotels to Accor’s network—Sofitel, TRIBE and The Sebel—with Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei (Denarau) due in early 2027, as Fiji pushes to grow capacity for rising arrivals. Hotel Market Pulse: STR says Fiji’s hotel performance is stabilising—occupancy averaging 77.2% and demand up—while rate growth cools. Industry Pipeline: At AHICE Fiji, Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said Fiji needs about 4,000 new hotel rooms to hit 1.25m visitors and $4b by 2027, with a $3.1b project pipeline. Construction Costs: Fiji’s Building Material Price Index rose 0.6% in June 2026, led by electrical products and cement-related items. Energy Security: Pacific communities and the Philippines are turning to community-owned solar as fuel shocks expose diesel dependence; Fiji’s Solar Scholars installs two community systems. Investigative Journalism: UNODC and PINA launched J-PACT to fund and train reporters on anti-corruption and transparency across the Pacific. Agriculture & Livestock: The Agriculture Ministry seeks more funding for animal health and disease surveillance; livestock health and cane harvest planning remain key as costs bite. Transport & Trade Links: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Gold Coast–Nadi service, boosting access for regional travellers. Community & Governance: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after disturbing claims on Kadavu, while the CRC heard calls for language standards for foreign workers.

Rugby & Talent Pathways: Former Flying Fijians captain Kele Leawere says Fiji’s Tier One status now depends on players delivering consistently, as 10 Drua men are named in the national squad for the Nations Championship push. Grassroots Sport: The Fiji Secondary Schools Weet-Bix Raluve competition was launched as the cornerstone for girls’ rugby, with support from Sanitarium Weet-Bix and Rewa Life. Construction Costs: Fiji’s Building Material Price Index edged up 0.6% in June 2026, led by electrical products, while tiles fell 1.9%. Aviation & Tourism Growth: Fiji Airways launched its first direct Gold Coast–Nadi service, and AHICE Fiji’s investment conference is underway with record attendance and a push for more hotel rooms. Hotel Industry: STR says Fiji’s hotel market is stabilising with demand up and ADR growth slowing, while Tanoa Waterfront Hotel hit the Tripadvisor top 10% milestone. Livestock & Food Security: The Agriculture Ministry is seeking more funding for animal health and disease surveillance to protect farmers and boost food security. Sugar Sector Pressure: Cane harvesters and lorry operators in Vanua Levu want an urgent review of the $20/tonne mechanical harvesting rate ahead of crushing. Eco Mortuaries: Government plans 10 eco-mortuaries after distressing social media claims about bodies stored in ice-filled eskies. Marine Protection: Fiji targets up to 15% marine protection by end-2026 as it works toward 30% by 2030. Digital Trade for Farmers: A new yaqona.net platform is trialling QR-linked profiles to connect kava farmers directly with global buyers. Economy Under Strain: At the State of the Economy Dialogue, leaders warned Fiji is running out of room for shocks, with calls to tighten fiscal policy and cushion cost-of-living pressures.

Pacific Economy & Cost Pressures: At Fiji’s State of the Economy Dialogue, the Reserve Bank cut growth forecasts to 1.5% and warned inflation could top 6%, as debt nears 85% of GDP; speakers urged fiscal tightening, corruption action, and “equitable burden sharing” so households aren’t hit hardest. Water & Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu flagged ageing water and sewage systems plus labour shortages as growth blockers, saying Water Authority of Fiji lacks the funding freedom to upgrade. Marine Conservation: Fisheries Ministry says Fiji will designate up to 15% of waters as marine protected areas by end-2026, aiming for 30% by 2030. Health Services & Logistics: After claims from Kadavu about bodies being kept in ice-filled eskies, Government approved tenders for 10 eco-mortuaries using solar power with generator backup. Tourism & Investment: AHICE Fiji’s tourism investment conference in Nadi drew 400+ delegates; Fiji Airways also backs the Fijian Flying Circus on an Australian tour. Energy & Global Policy: COP31 president-designate Türkiye proposed a “35 by 35” electrification target by 2035, while Pacific leaders push solar as fuel costs bite.

Sugar Sector Readiness: Sugar Research Institute of Fiji is urging cane growers to wrap up planting fast as harvest approaches, with drier El Niño-linked conditions making early field prep, road/bridge checks and fallow management key to protecting cane quality and returns. Constitution Review on Work Permits: The CRC heard calls to require foreign workers in Fiji to meet the same language standards as Fijians do overseas, after concerns that some permit holders struggle to communicate in English. Eco-Mortuaries After Kadavu Claims: Government plans 10 eco-mortuaries, including solar-powered units with generator backup, after allegations of bodies kept in ice-filled eskies and leaky boat transport—highlighting rural power limits and budget strain. Marine Protection Push: Fiji targets up to 15% of waters as marine protected areas by end-2026, aiming to strengthen governance and community participation while protecting fisheries that underpin food and revenue. State of the Economy Warning: The RBF cut Fiji’s 2026 growth forecast to 1.5% as fuel-driven inflation and softer demand bite; speakers also urged cost-of-living cushioning, including reviewing price impacts and stabilising the dollar. Water & Sanitation Accountability: WAF backed legal clauses for catchment protection and possible compensation, while also warning rural water approval roles must be clearly defined to avoid duplication under the Public Health Bill. Tourism & Energy Costs: Pacific Harbour resorts are exploring joint marketing to boost bookings, while remote Yasawa resorts say a solar-and-battery switch has shielded them from an 80% diesel price surge. Insurance Under Pressure: The motor insurance market is facing rising claims and repair costs, driven by more accidents and expensive imported parts. Fiji in the Wider Pacific: Samoa and France-backed patrols included Fijian officers targeting illegal fishing, as Pacific nations push stronger ocean enforcement.

Fiji Economy Watch: The Reserve Bank of Fiji cut its 2026 growth forecast to 1.5% (from 3.0%), blaming higher fuel costs, rising inflation and softer consumer spending as shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz push up import bills. Energy & Industry Resilience: New Zealand-led solar and battery upgrades shield three remote Yasawa resorts from an 80% diesel price surge, showing how firms can cut operating costs fast even without a grid. Fisheries Under Pressure: Fuel hikes are squeezing Fiji’s fisheries and fish vendors in the North, with calls for targeted budget support to keep fish affordable. Climate Adaptation: Fiji’s coastal communities are set to benefit from “green-gray” protection—seawalls paired with mangrove restoration—to tackle sea level rise and erosion. Water Regulation Clarity: The Water Authority of Fiji and the Ministry of Health want clearer roles under the Public Health Bill to avoid overlapping approvals for rural water and sanitation systems. RSE Workforce: Fijian seasonal workers continue to earn strong praise from New Zealand employers under the RSE scheme, supporting jobs for hundreds of families. Business & Connectivity: Fiji Airways backed the Fijian Flying Circus on its first Australia tour, while Fiji’s business community is gearing up for the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards.

Reserve Bank Watch: Fiji’s 2026 growth forecast has been cut to 1.5% from 3.0% as tourism momentum cools, inflation is set to top 6%, and higher fuel costs plus weaker consumer confidence bite. Cost Pressure on Food Supply: Fish vendors in Labasa say rising fuel and licensing delays are squeezing margins, pushing them to ask for targeted budget support to keep fish affordable. Energy Skills for Resilience: Pacific communities, including Fiji, are accelerating solar training through hands-on programmes, aiming to cut power costs and improve reliability for schools and small businesses. Maritime Operations: Natovi Jetty is back to normal after hazard removal, with MSAF revoking recent restricted-operation notices. Seafarer Compliance: MSAF has given seafarers one week to ensure medical fitness certificates are valid ahead of nationwide checks. Australia Support for Services: Australia will add AUD$16m (about FJ$24m) to Fiji’s schools and health facilities programme, extending delivery to Dec 2028 with climate-resilient upgrades. Sugar Sector Tension: Cane growers are demanding clarity on 2026 cane payments even as the Opposition welcomes a guaranteed $85/tonne price. Solar for Education: An all-female solar installation team helped bring 24/7 power to Ratu Naivalu Memorial School on Waya Island, boosting learning and technical pathways for women.

Marine Protection: French Polynesia will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands to further curb human activity. Renewables & Skills: It’s Time Foundation coordinated Fiji’s Pacific’s first all-female solar installation team, delivering 24/7 power to a remote Yasawa school and linking training with women’s leadership pathways. Digital Security: India and Fiji discussed boosting cooperation on cybersecurity, law enforcement, digital resilience and capacity building. Social Infrastructure Funding: Australia approved an extra $24m grant for Fiji to build and upgrade schools and health facilities, with climate resilience built into the programme through Dec 2028. Sugar Industry Pressure: Cane growers demanded clarity on 2026 cane payments, while Opposition welcomed the $85/tonne guaranteed price but warned broader cost and viability challenges remain. Transport & Logistics: Natovi Jetty has reopened after hazard removal, restoring normal passenger and cargo operations. Energy Shock Context: UN-linked reporting flags how Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving energy price spikes that hit small island economies hardest. Business Spotlight: Organisers expect strong turnout for the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, aiming for 700+ guests. Health Workforce: Fiji Medical Association says more doctors are being produced, but training quality, career pathways and delayed postings still worry young doctors.

Sugar Industry: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu welcomed Fiji’s $85 per tonne guaranteed cane price for the 2026 crop, but warned bigger issues remain as farmers seek clarity on cane payments. Farmers’ Cashflow: Cane growers are demanding urgent answers on cane payments after concerns they may be forced to borrow to start harvesting, with calls for fuel rebates and fair mechanical harvester rates. Public Health Law: The Consumer Council urged Parliament to tighten the Public Health Amendment Bill so compulsory vaccinations and treatment only happen with scientific evidence, while also pushing for fairer, harm-based penalties. Fuel Pressure: The Consumer Council wants earlier fuel price announcements to stop panic buying and misinformation, as taxi and other operators continue to feel the squeeze from rising costs. Maritime & Logistics: Natovi Jetty is back to normal after hazard removal, following a temporary closure due to submerged boulders—good news for passenger and cargo links between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Environment & Waste: Fiji rejected an Australian-backed Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator plan after its EIA failed standards, and a Nadi roadside campaign drew 1,200 people to back ocean and environmental protection. Infrastructure Delivery: The Water Authority launched an Environmental and Social Management System to improve how major projects are planned and delivered. Agriculture Transition: Fiji’s Ministry mapped commercial farming in Beqa, pushing off-season tomatoes and tackling yaqona dieback with better planting materials. Business Spotlight: Organisers expect strong turnout for the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, after 760 guests attended in 2025. Housing: The Tavela Settlement Upgrading Project in Nadi was commissioned, upgrading roads, drainage, streetlights, water reticulation and sanitation for 74 families. Skills & Work: The Fiji Medical Association flagged fatigue, training pathway gaps and delayed postings for young doctors even as more graduates enter the system.

Fuel & transport pressure: Fiji’s Consumer Council is urging Parliament and regulators to shift earlier fuel price announcements after late-month hikes sparked panic buying, queues and alleged LPG hoarding, while the Fiji Taxi Association calls for urgent Government relief as petrol costs jump and fares have barely moved for more than a decade. Waste-to-energy setback: Fiji’s Environment Department has rejected a controversial Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator and private port proposal, saying the EIA failed legal and technical standards, as community groups push back on “waste colonialism.” Clean energy & climate diplomacy: Australia’s Chris Bowen is in Bonn leading energy security talks ahead of COP31, with Pacific priorities front and centre. Ocean & fisheries compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states are training authorities in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, tightening freezing and traceability requirements. Infrastructure governance: The Water Authority of Fiji launched an Environmental and Social Management System to improve planning, risk management and monitoring for major projects. Maritime safety: Natovi Jetty is temporarily closed after an underwater survey found submerged boulders creating navigational hazards. Public health law tweaks: The Consumer Council and environmental health professionals are pressing Parliament to tighten the Public Health Amendment Bill—calling for scientific evidence for compulsory measures and adding noise pollution enforcement powers.

Public Health Law: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged Parliament to tighten the Public Health Amendment Bill, warning compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment should only be ordered with scientific evidence and during true public health emergencies. Fair Penalties: The same submission hit “equal fines” for businesses and residents as unfair, calling for penalties tied to the level of harm and clearer definitions of nuisance. Fuel Shock Fallout: The Consumer Council also demanded earlier fuel and LPG price announcements after last-minute hikes triggered panic buying, queues and alleged LPG hoarding. Transport Costs Pressure: Fiji Taxi Association renewed calls for urgent Government relief, saying petrol costs and a 14-year fare review gap are pushing operators toward collapse. Environment & Waste: Fiji rejected an Australian billionaire-backed Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator after its EIA failed legal and technical standards, while a Nadi roadside campaign drew 1,200 supporters for ocean and waste protection. Water Infrastructure: WAF launched an Environmental and Social Management System to improve planning and risk management for major projects. Maritime Safety: Natovi Jetty was temporarily closed after underwater checks found submerged boulders posing navigational hazards. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states trained authorities on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels.

Fuel Relief Push: Fiji Taxi Association is calling for urgent Government help as petrol costs (up to $4.54/litre) and a 14-year fare review gap squeeze operators. Consumer Watch: The Consumer Council wants earlier fuel price announcements after late-month hikes triggered panic buying, queues and alleged LPG hoarding. Public Health Law: Fiji Institute of Environmental Health urges Parliament to add noise pollution to the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can enforce standards. Maritime Safety: Natovi Jetty will close for 24 hours (June 7-8) after underwater checks found submerged boulders that could endanger vessels. Justice Access: Cakaudrove plans a new Magistrates Court facility in Korotasere to cut costly trips to Savusavu and speed responses in the Natewa-Korotasere corridor. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states train in new EU freezer-vessel rules expected to affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Energy Transition: ISA and the World Bank backed a Pacific SIDS solar push in Bali, including an investment-ready 220MW solar-plus-storage pipeline tender for Mauritius. Waste-to-Energy Debate: Fiji’s Environment Ministry says another waste-to-energy proposal is being scoped after rejecting TNG’s Vuda EIA, while a Vuda-Saweni taskforce says it may support better-scaled alternatives. Skills for Industry: Pacific Polytech graduates are urged into trades as Fiji faces workforce gaps in key sectors.

Fuel Relief Push: Fiji Taxi Association is demanding urgent government help as petrol prices jump to about $3.93–$4.54/litre and fares haven’t moved since 2011, arguing taxis—mostly small operators—are being squeezed while bus firms get subsidies. Consumer Watch: The Consumer Council wants earlier fuel and LPG price notices, saying last-minute announcements trigger panic buying, queues and alleged LPG hoarding. Labour Response: Fiji Teachers Union rejects any idea of cutting civil servants’ salaries to offset the fuel crisis, saying workers shouldn’t pay for global shocks. Transport Disruption: Natovi Jetty will close for 24 hours after an underwater survey found submerged boulders creating a navigation hazard, with berthing and loading suspended. Justice & Skills: A new Korotasere Magistrates Court is planned to cut costly travel for Cakaudrove residents, while Pacific Polytech graduates are urged to plug Fiji’s skills gaps. Seafood Trade: Fiji and other Pacific states are training authorities to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules, expected to affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Environment & Health: Fiji’s environmental health body is calling for noise pollution to be explicitly included in the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can enforce it. Logistics Growth: Rugby player Samuela Tawake is setting up a logistics business on Ovalau as he plans life after sport.

Clean Energy & Investment: ISA and the World Bank held the first ISA SIDS Dialogue in Bali, pushing an investment-ready solar and storage pipeline for Pacific islands including Fiji, alongside a 220MW Mauritius e-marketplace tender. Fisheries & Food Safety: Fiji joined other Pacific states meeting new EU rules for freezer vessels, with training in Suva on tighter -18°C brine requirements and traceability to protect EU market access. Fuel Pressure on Industry: Fiji’s Consumer Council and taxi operators are calling for earlier, clearer fuel price announcements and urgent relief as costs rise and cash disruptions spark queues and alleged LPG hoarding. Public Health vs Waste-to-Energy: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected TNG’s Vuda waste-to-energy EIA, citing unresolved risks around emissions, hazardous waste and public health, while a Vuda-Saweni taskforce says it may back smaller, better-sited alternatives. Skills for Growth: Pacific Polytech graduates in Labasa were urged into trades critical for Fiji’s development as workforce gaps persist. Hospitality Jobs: Marriott appointed John Douglas as Area General Manager Pacific Islands, overseeing its Fiji portfolio.

Fuel Shock Across the Pacific: Samoa has moved to an “amber alert” as diesel caps bite, while Fiji boosted diesel caps on key roads—keeping pressure on household budgets and services. Consumer Watchdog: Fiji’s Consumer Council wants earlier fuel and LPG price announcements after panic buying and queueing tied to late-month changes. Transport Under Strain: Fiji taxi operators are calling for urgent Government relief, arguing fares haven’t moved since 2010 while fuel costs have surged; bus operators meanwhile push e-ticketing to keep subsidy access running. Food & Jobs: Fiji’s fisheries sector is meeting new EU fish export safety rules on storage and traceability, and Food Processors Fiji is shifting production schedules and backing rooftop solar to cut fuel dependence. Waste-to-Energy Fight: Fiji’s Environment Ministry has rejected TNG’s Vuda waste-to-energy and private port EIA, citing unresolved public health, hazardous ash, tourism and infrastructure risks; the developer can appeal, while local opponents say they’re open to better-scaled alternatives. Skills Pipeline: Pacific Polytech graduates are urged to plug Fiji’s critical trades skills gaps as labour mobility continues to reshape the workforce. EU Compliance for Exports: Fiji’s tuna and seafood traceability upgrades aim to prevent histamine risks linked to improper freezing.

Vuda waste-to-energy shock: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port EIA, citing unresolved gaps on project scale, imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, water supply, public health, roads/port impacts, and social, cultural and tourism risks—though officials stressed it’s about the EIA meeting standards, not a blanket ban on waste tech. Appeal deadline: TNG now has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal; no resubmission route is available, with the matter potentially going to the High Court. Fuel squeeze hits transport: Bus operators warn of a widening monthly deficit as fuel costs surge, with the Fiji Bus Operators Association estimating shortfalls of about $1m in April, $4.3m in May, and roughly $5m by June—pushing calls for urgent relief. Quad turns to delivery: US, Australia, India and Japan say the Quad is moving from dialogue to action, unveiling maritime surveillance, critical minerals and an Indo-Pacific energy security push, plus a Fiji port infrastructure pilot. Local business momentum: A multi-million-dollar Nadi Back Road showroom/warehouse project is set to create jobs and strengthen Nadi’s role as a commercial hub. Agriculture pressure: Taveuni yaqona farmers demand tougher action as repeated thefts hit livelihoods, with penalties seen as too light to deter repeat offenders. Forestry resilience training: FAO and Fiji’s forestry ministry supported Samoa officers with sustainable teak and pine production training in Suva to build climate resilience. Israel-Fiji ties: Fiji opened Israel’s new Suva embassy, with Rabuka pointing to cooperation in climate resilience, renewable energy and water security amid local protests.