AGP Executive Report

Skills & TVET: Australia is pledging AUD$229.5m (FJD$359.8m) to bridge Fiji’s skills gaps through Pacific Australia Skills, with a refurbished Vuvale Skills Hub in Suva set for launch next Monday ahead of PM Anthony Albanese’s visit. Sugar Industry: Fiji’s crushing season is starting amid fresh friction—farmers and mill workers dispute cane prices, rosters and access—while Government keeps a $5m fuel support package and urges immediate harvesting to protect supplies and export commitments. Northern Logistics: A new $3.4m Commissioner’s Northern Warehouse in Labasa will replace a flood-prone site to speed disaster response and keep emergency operations running during severe weather. Energy & Infrastructure: Construction has begun on Fiji’s largest 3.25MW solar farm at Nadi Airport, aiming to cut emissions and strengthen energy security for aviation operations. Women in Business: SPBD launches its Businesswoman of the Year Awards, with nominations open to recognise women entrepreneurs across Fiji. Regional Trade & Fisheries: The newly formed PNG-Fiji Business Council maps ways to help SMEs reach new markets, while Pacific fisheries ministers wrap up the 25th Forum Fisheries Committee meeting in Wellington. Climate Risk: Officials warn Super El Niño could bring prolonged dry conditions, stressing agriculture and hydro power, as preparedness ramps up.

Sugar Industry Turmoil: Fiji’s crushing season is underway but early cane shortages and a harvesting standoff are threatening mill efficiency, with Government urging farmers to harvest immediately and warning delays could hit local supply and export markets. Labasa Mill Targets: FSC says Labasa is aiming for about 605,000–610,000 tonnes of cane, while farmers and officials push for faster deliveries to keep operations on track. Fuel Support Stays Put: Despite diesel price drops, Government will maintain the full $5m fuel support for cane farmers and add a $3/tonne manual harvesting subsidy to boost harvesting capacity. Shipping Crisis Hits Taveuni: Inter-island shipping disruption is choking trade and leaving shelves bare; a backup vessel is now servicing the Natovi–Taveuni route as authorities work to stabilise ferry services. Jobs at Risk, Assured: PAFCO dismisses closure fears at Levuka’s tuna cannery, saying processing will continue under a new Spain-linked partnership. Climate & Energy Watch: Officials warn a possible prolonged Super El Niño could strain electricity and agriculture, while Fiji also advances a $52.5m forest restoration project for climate resilience. Tourism & Skills: Marriott Fiji launches a leadership programme to grow local managers, and a Yasawa youth training drive is placing graduates into tourism jobs. Trade & Investment Links: A new PNG-Fiji Business Council will review trade agreements and map business assets to boost SME participation and alignment.

Maritime Supply Lifeline: Government activated a contingency plan for the Natovi–Taveuni route, with LCT Saint Mary (Venu Shipping) starting from midnight to keep produce and essential goods moving as shipping disruptions bite outer-island trade. Taveuni Trade Under Pressure: Businesses warn shelves are bare and fuel is running out; public transport could be suspended within days if services don’t resume, after cargo disruptions linked to a standoff between Goundar Shipping and MSAF. Sugar Industry Tensions: NFU general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry hit back at Minister Tomasi Tunabuna over cane top-up claims, while Tunabuna says the $5m fuel support will stay and urges harvesting to protect export markets. Crushing Targets & Early Shortfalls: Labasa mill aims for about 610,000 tonnes in 2026, but early-season cane shortages and harvesting uncertainty are threatening mill efficiency and daily supply needs. Labour Deal Ends FSC Dispute: About 700 FSC workers are set to return after FSC and NUW reached agreement on back pay, collective agreement updates and 2026 rosters. Budget & Fiscal Strain: Finance officials and economists defend the 2026–27 deficit and debt path, while tourism and industry groups warn Fiji can’t rely too heavily on one sector as reforms and delivery lag. Tourism Workforce Push: Marriott Fiji launches a leadership programme to reduce reliance on expatriate managers, building a local pipeline for hotel leadership. Transport Costs Catch-Up: Taxi operators face delays recalibrating meters due to limited calibration agencies, even as fuel prices fall and drivers push for permanent fare adjustments. Super Rugby Boost: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua welcomed an expanded 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season with a longer regular season and revamped finals format.

Tourism Workforce: Marriott Fiji launched the iSausauvou Leadership Programme to fast-track local staff into supervisory and management roles, aiming to cut reliance on expatriate managers amid ongoing labour shortages. Maritime Disruption: Taveuni businesses say inter-island shipping delays are emptying shelves and exhausting fuel, with Government deploying the LCT Saint Mary on the Natovi–Taveuni route as a contingency while a dispute between Goundar Shipping and the Maritime Safety Authority continues. Transport Fallout: With fuel reserves on Taveuni running low, bus services could be suspended in days; separately, taxi operators face meter-calibration backlogs because only a few accredited agencies are available. Fuel & Costs: Fiji’s fuel and LPG prices drop for July, but operators warn relief may be short-lived as global markets stay volatile; boat operators in the Yasawa Group say earlier high fuel costs still force higher fares. Sugar Industry: After a breakthrough agreement, about 700 FSC workers return to work, but crushing season has also seen fresh disruption claims at Labasa Mill tied to roster and contract disagreements. Budget & Debt: Unity Fiji’s Savenaca Narube says debt repayments are swallowing most budget space, while Finance Ministry officials warn Fiji may need deeper public-sector restructuring as operating costs rise. Climate & Forestry: The Green Climate Fund approved $116m for a seven-year forest landscape restoration project to boost resilience and livelihoods across nine provinces. Super Rugby Pacific: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua welcomed an expanded 2027 Super Rugby season with a 17-week regular season and a revamped Finals Series.

Shipping Disruption: Prestige Sealink Fiji suspended Lautoka–Nabouwalu ferry services, citing rising diesel costs, tougher regulations and lack of Government support—adding to a week of maritime threats. Sugar Industry Turmoil: Fiji’s 2026 crushing season is hit by disputes between FSC and workers/farmers, with Labasa operations stalled over an unsigned roster MOA; growers also push for clearer cane prices and faster harvesting. Fuel Relief for Business: FCCC’s July review cuts fuel and LPG slightly, offering a breather for transport and logistics, though industry leaders warn global volatility can quickly reverse gains. Investment Climate: Reforms to Fiji’s Investment Act 2020 aim to streamline approvals and attract foreign and domestic investment while protecting domestic interests. Climate & Food Security Funding: Green Climate Fund approved $52.5m for Fiji forest landscape restoration to boost resilience and agrifood livelihoods. Energy Transition Watch: Calls grow for an independent energy task force as electrification and renewable projects face delays. Tourism & Aviation Support: Budget measures include a 5% tourism services tax ringfenced for Fiji Airways, plus a government guarantee and fee waivers. Skills & Partnerships: Fiji explores a long-term partnership with China’s Wuhan Technical University to expand TVET, engineering and AI training.

Sugar Industry Dispute: Fiji’s 2026 crushing season is stalled as mill workers, farmers and the Fiji Sugarcane Corporation clash over contract terms, cane prices and rostering—Labasa operations are disrupted after union members are denied entry while FSC disputes the claims. Fuel Relief for Industry: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission has cut July fuel and LPG prices, with diesel down by up to $1.25/litre and petrol by 49–52 cents/litre, offering modest cost relief for transport, maritime and businesses. Maritime Disruption Hits Taveuni: Shipping services to Taveuni are under threat, leaving fuel and essential supplies running low; government says contingency plans and talks with operators and the Maritime Safety Authority are ongoing to restore services. Aquaculture Funding Questioned: A Taveuni pearl farmer says fisheries aquaculture funding is “business as usual,” calling for bolder reform beyond current allocations. Local Manufacturing Boost: SEN DA marks 10 years in Fiji by opening a new Suva warehouse and production facility to expand aluminium and glass output for construction demand. Tourism Trade & Skills: Fiji will host major regional tourism exchange activity in 2027, while a China university delegation explores long-term TVET and engineering cooperation with Fiji, including AI and tourism training.

Fuel Relief: Fiji households, motorists and businesses get a break as the FCCC cuts July fuel and LPG prices, with diesel down about $1.19–$1.25/litre, petrol down 49–52 cents, and LPG also falling. Aviation Support: Fiji Airways is set to receive budget-backed help via a new 5% tourism services tax (ringfenced for the airline), plus a planned $200m government guarantee and other fee relief as fuel costs squeeze operations. Energy Oversight: Calls are growing for an independent energy task force to tighten monitoring of renewable and electrification projects after delays and incomplete work despite a $2b energy allocation. Sugar Season Signals: More growers sign MOGAs ahead of the 2026 crushing season after government subsidy details and FCCC-approved harvesting/cartage rates, but farmers still warn cane prices may not cover rising costs. Tourism Trade: Fiji will host SPTE and FTE 2027 in May, a major regional business week aimed at boosting buyer-operator links and visitor demand. Renewables in Practice: Three remote Yasawa resorts cut diesel use after a 760kW solar-plus-battery system (1.6MW storage) is commissioned, targeting major energy-cost savings. Mining & Resources: Thunderstruck’s Fiji exploration licence renewal and Kalo Gold’s Wainikoro gold-bearing results keep Fiji’s minerals pipeline in focus, while Banaba’s mining dispute continues in court filings. Business & Infrastructure: Nadi’s business community urges faster action on the long-delayed Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project after a $3m budget step into early works. Construction Industry: SEN DA marks 10 years in Fiji with a new Suva warehouse and production facility for aluminium and glass products. Climate Funding: GEF approves new Pacific climate adaptation projects, including Fiji, to strengthen resilience against flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion.

Fuel Relief: Fiji households and businesses get a break as the FCCC cuts diesel, petrol, kerosene and LPG prices from tomorrow, with diesel down $1.19–$1.25/litre and LPG also falling after easing global markets. Energy Transition: Rural electrification is accelerating as the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund Board approves new renewable mini-grid projects, including Koro Island power for 256 households and upgrades for Vio Island and other sites. Climate Funding: The GEF has approved four Pacific climate adaptation projects, including Fiji, to help communities and infrastructure handle flooding, sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Accor is expanding in Fiji with three new hotels opening by 2027, including The Sebel and TRIBE plus a second Sofitel. Construction Industry Growth: SEN DA marks 10 years in Fiji by opening a new Suva warehouse and production facility to boost aluminium and glass output for local builders. Aviation Under Pressure: Fiji Airways says Budget support will help it keep maximum seat capacity and expand its international network despite high fuel costs. Sugar Sector Tensions: Sugar mills are set to start crushing on July 1, but cane farmers threaten a no-harvest protest over the $85/tonne guaranteed price staying unchanged. Renewables & Policy: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu backs faster renewable energy transition, pointing to biofuel and other local opportunities. Mining Update: Thunderstruck Resources gets a five-year renewal of its Fiji exploration licence and appoints a new VP Exploration for its Fijian portfolio.

Mining & Exploration: Thunderstruck Resources says Fiji’s SPL 1425 has been renewed for five years, covering Liwa, Rama and Nakoro, and it has appointed Wenbin Chen as VP Exploration to lead the 2026 programme. Energy & Rural Power: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu backs Fiji’s renewable push as the Government ramps up energy funding, while the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund Board approved new solar mini-grid upgrades including Koro Island and Vio Island. Transport & Infrastructure: The 2026-2027 Budget commits $820.8m for roads, bridges, jetties and rural connectivity, including major road and crossing works. Sugar & Agriculture: Fiji Sugar mills (Lautoka, Rarawai, Labasa) start crushing July 1; farmers also face a standoff over the $85/tonne guaranteed cane price, while mechanisation support continues with a second harvester boosting Dreketi rice output. Business & Cost Pressures: The Fiji Taxi Association welcomes a temporary fare adjustment from July 1 but wants a permanent review; FCEF backs Budget measures like fuel duty exemptions, tariff cuts and higher training grants. Water & Community Services: Nadi businesses urge faster action on the $3m Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project, and a new multi-purpose court is set for Nadera to tackle youth crime risks. Aviation & Tourism Link: Fiji Airways says Budget support will help it maintain seat capacity and expand international routes as global airlines cut capacity.

Budget & cost pressures: Former finance minister Biman Prasad defended Fiji’s 2026–2027 National Budget as responsible, with no new taxes and continued support for welfare, agriculture, health, education and SMEs, while economists say it restores stability but offers limited cost-of-living relief. Business confidence: Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation welcomed fuel duty exemptions, extended diesel concessions, lower employer FNFP contributions (to 8%), customs tariff cuts and a big jump in training grant funding. Fuel squeeze: Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo said rising fuel costs are still hitting low-income earners and sole breadwinners, with the Tripartite Forum used to discuss wages and living-cost pressures. Agriculture accountability: Agriculture PS Dr Andrew Tukana urged the Ministry to measure real farm impact, not just spending, and Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna promised tighter monitoring of programme use. Sugar season & farmer standoff: Fiji Sugar Corporation confirmed crushing starts July 1 at Lautoka, Rarawai and Labasa, but the National Farmers Union threatened a harvest boycott over the $85/tonne guaranteed cane price, demanding $110. Water & rural power delivery: The Lands Ministry will drill 88 groundwater sites and investigate 111 more for safe drinking water, while the Rural Electrification Fund Board approved new renewable mini-grid rollouts including Koro Island. Transport & infrastructure: The Budget set aside $820.8m for roads, bridges, jetties and rural connectivity, and Fiji Airways said Budget support will help it maintain seat capacity and expand routes. Industry & services: Nadi businesses and the Nadi Chamber pushed for faster execution of the $3m Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project, and the Fiji Taxi Association welcomed the temporary fare adjustment from July 1 but wants a permanent fare review. Creative sector: FBC was named Fiji’s broadcast partner for the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge in September.

Budget Watch (Fiji): Fishers in Labasa welcomed a $28.4m fisheries boost in the 2026-2027 National Budget, saying better storage and infrastructure can cut post-harvest losses and support small vendors. Forestry & Timber Value-Add: The forestry sector gets $25.7m, with maritime pine support, jetty funding for Lakeba, and a five-year tax holiday for investors putting at least $5m into new mahogany processing. Agriculture Oversight: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says the ministry will tighten monitoring of farm funding after a $221m agriculture allocation, aiming to improve productivity and boost women and youth participation. Energy Transition: Fiji is set to accelerate renewables with a major ~$2b Energy Fiji Limited investment, including hydropower and solar with battery storage, plus grid upgrades. Maritime Continuity: After threats from some operators, the government is seeking expressions of interest from ship owners to keep commercial and subsidised routes running. Tourism Policy Clash: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association rejects the 5% tourism services tax meant to support Fiji Airways, warning it could hurt competitiveness and be passed to visitors despite assurances. Sugar Support: The sugar industry receives $96.3m, including maintaining the $85/tonne cane payment and a top-up for farmers. Foreign Affairs for Investment: Business leaders back a $56.6m foreign affairs allocation, linking stronger diplomacy and faster investor visas to better trade and investment prospects.

Budget Push for Forestry & Timber Value-Add: Fiji’s 2026–2027 Budget backs the forestry sector with $25.7m, including $2.5m for a Commercial Maritime Pine Subsidy to help growers with transport to markets, plus $3.7m for Fiji Pine Trust Extension work and $2m for the Wainiyabia Jetty in Lakeba. It also starts REDD+ with $500,000 for sustainable forest management and sets a five-year tax holiday for investors putting at least $5m into new mahogany processing. Infrastructure for Growth: The Government commits $820.8m to roads, bridges, jetties and rural connectivity, with FRA receiving $369.8m for maintenance and renewals. Energy Security Leap: Energy Fiji Limited plans about $2b in renewables—50MW hydropower and 165MW solar with battery storage—plus grid upgrades to cut outages and reduce reliance on imported fuel. Agriculture Accountability & Support: Agriculture funding totals $221m, with the Agriculture Minister promising tighter monitoring of farm assistance, while $102m targets non-sugar agriculture and $2.5m improves market access for smallholders. Sugar Sector Stabilised: The Ministry of Sugar gets $96.3m, keeping the $85/tonne cane payment and adding a $28/tonne top-up, alongside fertilizer, mechanisation and farm support. Maritime Continuity Plans: After threats from some operators, the Transport Ministry calls for expressions of interest to keep services running on commercial and subsidised routes. Tourism Tax Sparks Pushback: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association rejects the 5% tourism services tax, saying it wasn’t properly consulted and would hurt competitiveness, while Finance says the levy should be absorbed and not passed to visitors.

Water & Land Security: Fiji’s Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources will drill and develop 88 groundwater sites and investigate 111 more next financial year, alongside land reform and digitising lease records, even as its allocation drops to $37.1m. Renewables Push: Energy Fiji Limited is set to invest about $2b in hydropower, solar with battery storage, and major grid upgrades to lift renewable generation and strengthen energy security. Maritime Continuity: Government has called for expressions of interest from qualified ship owners to keep commercial and subsidised routes running if operators threaten suspension, protecting supply lines for outer islands. Tourism Funding Fight: The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association rejects the new 5% tourism services tax, saying the industry wasn’t consulted and warns it could be passed on, harming competitiveness and Fiji Airways support should be handled via national funding. Sugar Industry Support: The Ministry for Sugar gets $96.3m, keeping the $85/tonne cane payment and adding a $28/tonne top-up plus fertilizer, cutting, roads and mechanisation support. Health & Industry Infrastructure: Budget backs a major health transformation including Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM, plus hospital upgrades and a new 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Nausori. Sports & Corporate Activity: Suva foreshore hosts the Simple Green Business House Regatta Series with 32 corporate teams, boosting workplace wellbeing and ocean culture.

Budget Watch: Fiji Bus Operators Association says there are “no major surprises” in the 2026–2027 National Budget, praising the extension of diesel duty concessions and fare subsidies while warning global fuel shocks could still force more support. Maritime Services: Government has called for Expressions of Interest from qualified ship owners to safeguard Fiji’s commercial and subsidised routes if operators threaten to suspend services. Tourism Funding Fight: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association rejects the Government’s 5% tourism services tax plan, saying it wasn’t properly consulted and could hurt competitiveness and raise disputes or cancellations—while Finance says the levy will be absorbed by industry to avoid visitor cost hikes. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Fiji Limited is pushing a ~$2b renewable push in the Budget, including new hydropower plus solar with battery storage, alongside major grid upgrades. Ports & Logistics: Suva Port is set for a ~$1.5b redevelopment to expand capacity and strengthen Fiji’s role as a regional trans-shipment hub. Health Sector Upgrade: Fiji allocated $647m to health, including plans for the first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital under the PHIT project. Regional Deals: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework agreement covering trade, investment, infrastructure and security. Shipping/Power Projects in Court: TNG Holdings Fiji is appealing the rejection of its energy-from-waste project at Vuda Point, arguing the process was unfair.

Health & Industry Investment: Fiji has earmarked $647m for the health sector in the 2026-27 Budget, including a $500m Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation push to build Fiji’s first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital (up to 60 patients daily) plus upgrades to hospitals and 17 primary facilities. Energy Security: Energy Fiji Limited is progressing an ~$2b renewable program with 50MW new hydropower and 165MW solar with battery storage, alongside major grid upgrades to cut outages and reduce reliance on imported fuel. Ports & Logistics: Government is moving ahead with an ~$1.5b Suva Port redevelopment to expand capacity and strengthen Fiji’s role as a regional trans-shipment hub, with additional work planned for Lautoka Port. Tourism & Aviation: A temporary 5% tourism services tax (12 months) will fund Fiji Airways, expected to raise about $70m; Fiji’s hotel sector also elected Josephine Moffat as FHTA president. Business Climate: The Nadi Chamber welcomed the Budget as business-friendly, while retailers warn rising operating costs are squeezing margins and weakening confidence.

Health Infrastructure: Fiji will build its first radiotherapy and cancer treatment centre at CWM Hospital under the $500m PHIT project, with linear accelerator and chemotherapy capacity for up to 60 patients a day, as part of a $647m health allocation in the 2026-27 Budget. Energy & Renewables: Energy Fiji Limited is progressing an about $2b renewable push—new hydropower (50MW baseload) plus 165MW solar with battery storage, alongside grid upgrades—to lift renewable generation and improve energy security. Ports & Logistics: Suva Port is set for an approximately $1.5b redevelopment over five years to expand capacity and strengthen Fiji’s trans-shipment role, with funding expected from major partners and private investors. Budget & Cost of Living: The 2026-27 Budget keeps civil service salaries and avoids major tax hikes, extends fuel duty concessions, and introduces a temporary 5% tourism services tax (12 months) to support Fiji Airways. Transport Costs: Taxi fares rise from July 1 as the FCCC approves a temporary increase to the distance-based drop charge to help operators manage higher fuel costs. Tourism Leadership: FHTA elects Josephine Moffat as the first female president, signalling a new leadership push for Fiji’s hospitality sector. Business Pressure: Suva retailers warn of rising operating costs, weaker consumer confidence, and freight/import inflation squeezing margins. Maritime Industry: Shipping operator Goundar Shipping calls for budget relief as fuel costs and operating expenses threaten the sector’s sustainability. Cane Sector: Sugar cane farmers demand the guaranteed cane price lift from $85 to $110 a tonne after harvesting and cartage cost increases. Sports & Local Industry: Lautoka’s Babs Khan backs the Blues ahead of the FACT tournament semifinals in Labasa.