AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline turnaround as a Pacific aviation model, saying tourism-dependent economies need reliable air links. Justice & Finance: The US has charged Edward Zimbardi, allegedly behind a $165m crypto Ponzi, after Fiji extradited him—he now faces 25 federal counts. Waste & Environment: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji’s $200 littering fine (from 1 Sept) is meant to change behaviour, backed by stronger enforcement and tracking. Local Economy & Town Planning: Navua’s market and bus stand are set to move to Thompson Park as the town prepares for declaration on 28 Aug. Indigenous Land Law: Government reviews 26 iTaukei laws; Opposition demands changes bring certainty and goodwill. Mining Governance: Women are urged to strengthen transparency and accountability in extractive industries in a Solomon Islands workshop. Food Security & Agriculture: Fiji’s food import bill hit $1.1b in 2023 versus $343m exports; officials launch a pathway to cut reliance on imports. Sugar & Jobs: Farmers are told to find practical alternatives as sugar reform continues, while debate questions whether support systems are doing enough. Consumer Protection: Parliament questions Fiji Commerce & Consumer Commission enforcement, citing a big gap between complaints and charges. Agarwood: Government warns farmers not to rush agarwood planting until local inoculation trials prove results; Opposition calls for clear targets and guaranteed markets. Health Training: Construction starts on a KOICA-FNU simulation centre to boost hands-on clinical skills. Energy & Industry Skills: Fiji targets 40,000 ICT jobs over five years as it pushes digital transformation and cybersecurity. Sports & National Pride: Flying Fijian Leone Nakarawa returns to join the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for 2027.

Food Security & Agriculture: Fiji launched the Horizon 2030 National Food System Pathway after revealing a $1.106b 2023 food import bill versus just $343.4m in crop and livestock exports—fueling calls to cut reliance on imports with a $26.5m short-term plan. Aviation & Tourism Finance: Parliament unanimously backed a $200m government guarantee for Fiji Airways (Aug 1, 2026–Jun 30, 2029) as MPs demand tighter cost controls and annual reporting, amid reports of a $130m fuel bill surge and debate over catering cuts. Agri-Industry & Jobs: Food Processors Fiji commissioned a $635,000 Batiri (Dreketi) processing centre to reduce spoilage and add value to northern produce, while Pacific Polytech warned staffing and programme risks after a sharp funding drop. Renewables & Energy Costs: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station cut diesel use from 60 to 20 drums a month after a solar hybrid upgrade, saving about $336,000 a year. ICT & Cybersecurity: Government targets 40,000 ICT jobs in five years alongside a national digital identity and data protection laws. Livestock Health: Cattle TB prevalence remains below 1% as officials stress strict movement controls and annual containment. Kava Trade: Calmer Co secured an exclusive global distribution deal for kava extracts across Australia, NZ, US, Canada and ASEAN with minimum purchase commitments. Land & Water Reform: A $37.1m allocation will return public-purpose land to landowners, digitise records, and fund groundwater support and diversification.

Aviation & Tourism Finance: Fiji Airways faces a $130m fuel bill shock, with Government approving a $200m guarantee to protect liquidity and working capital as fuel costs surge. Parliament & Corporate Oversight: MPs backed the three-year $200m Fiji Airways borrowing guarantee but pressed for answers on how the airline reached its current position and whether costs are being managed efficiently. Labour & Cost of Living: The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation urges the Ministry to immediately implement the agreed meal allowance increase, saying it’s been delayed for more than eight months and would help workers cope with high food prices. Agriculture & Food Security: Cattle TB prevalence is reported below 1% as officials stress strict cattle movement controls, testing and culling to protect Fiji’s lucrative meat supply. Agri-Processing & Jobs: Food Processors Fiji commissioned a $635,000 Batiri (Dreketi) processing centre to cut spoilage and boost local supply, with cold storage and plans to expand farmer sourcing. Energy Transition: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station is cutting diesel use after a solar hybrid upgrade, saving about $336,000 a year and reducing reliance on imported fuel. Digital & Cybersecurity: Fiji targets 40,000 ICT jobs over five years under its National Digital Strategy, alongside cybersecurity, digital identity and data protection plans. ICT/Skills & Health Training: Construction has started on a $US9.8m KOICA-FNU simulation centre to strengthen hands-on clinical training for medicine and nursing students. Land & Water Reforms: A $37.1m allocation supports land administration improvements, groundwater assistance, and diversification initiatives like coffee and cocoa seedling programmes. Governance & Industry Risk: Public accounts scrutiny continues over Fiji Hardwood expansion sustainability and the proposed merger/coordination of Fiji Meat Industry Board and Yaqara pastoral operations. Drones & Security Law: Fiji’s Security Industry Act review is pushing for drone monitoring and compliance, including stronger registration and tracking expectations. Kava Exports & Investment: Calmer Co secured an exclusive global distribution deal for kava extracts across Australia, NZ, US, Canada and ASEAN, with minimum purchase commitments to retain exclusivity.

Renewables & Energy Savings: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station has commissioned a LAKARO solar hybrid upgrade, cutting diesel use from about 60 drums to 20 a month and saving roughly $336,000 a year, with the project targeting 25–30% renewable supply and long-term 100% renewables. Agri-Processing Boost: Food Processors Fiji has commissioned a $635,000 processing centre in Batiri, Dreketi, adding blast and cold storage to reduce spoilage and help local farmers supply vegetables, root crops and citrus for stronger Northern markets. Food Security & Livelihoods: FRIEND Fiji is doubling down on backyard gardens, communal farms and organic training to protect household incomes as fuel and climate pressures rise, while also pushing food value-add for marginalised communities. Labour & Power Sector Tension: Energy Fiji says CETWUF is continuing claims despite an Arbitration Court ruling that locks the 2023 wage deal for two years, arguing negotiations should only restart from 2026. Security Industry Overhaul: Fiji’s Security Industry Act review is considering tighter drone monitoring and clearer legal powers for security officers, amid calls for compliance and limits on force. Skills & Training Investment: Fiji National University has begun work on a $9.8m medical simulation centre to strengthen clinical training before students move into hospitals. Maritime Security Support: The US has handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull inflatable boats and a ramp to improve responses to drug trafficking, illegal fishing and search-and-rescue. Climate Leadership Links: India is backing Fiji with development support including artificial limbs for 650 amputees and plans for mobile soil testing labs and agricultural drones, while Fiji and India also deepen cooperation ahead of major climate discussions.

Renewables & Energy Savings: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station has started cutting diesel use after commissioning the LAKARO solar hybrid system, cutting costs by about $336,000 a year and reducing drums from 60 to 20 a month. Food & Agro-processing: Food Processors Fiji commissioned a $635,000 processing centre in Batiri, Dreketi, with cold storage and blast facilities to reduce spoilage and boost local value-adding for root crops and vegetables. Rural Livelihoods: FRIEND Fiji is doubling down on food security, backyard gardens, organic training and clean-energy-linked support as fuel and climate pressures squeeze household incomes. Local Business Resilience: A Labasa mother, Aqeelah Bano, turned grief into a hamper business after launching Bano’s Creation Hamper, showing how small home-based production can become steady income. Labour & Training Pressure: Pacific Polytech says a sharp government grant cut (from about $7m to $500,000) threatens staffing and campus sustainability, warning Fiji’s skills gap could worsen. Trade & Industry Growth: Fiji is targeting higher-value U.S. mahogany markets, including guitar components and premium furniture, to lift returns beyond bulk timber. Security & Compliance: Fiji’s Security Industry Act review is pushing for tighter drone monitoring and clearer rules for licensed security officers’ use of force. Maritime Capability: The U.S. has provided Fiji with three new rigid-hull inflatable boats plus a ramp to strengthen responses to illegal fishing and drug trafficking. Diplomacy & Development: India is backing Fiji with a foot camp for 650 amputees and plans for mobile soil testing labs and agricultural drones, alongside a proposed 100-bed super specialty hospital. Tourism Workforce: Fiji says it needs at least 100,000 hospitality workers to meet demand, urging more local training and career-building through ServicePro graduations.

TVET Funding Crunch: Pacific Polytech says its Government grant has been slashed from about $7m to $500,000, raising fears for 14 campuses, staff cuts and leave-without-pay while it argues Fiji must invest more in local technical training to plug skilled-worker gaps. Security Industry Reform: Fiji Law Reform Commissioner Ana Rokomokoti says every drone operating in Fiji should be monitored and registered, with the review also weighing stronger compliance for CCTV/drone/biometric firms and tighter rules for private security licensing (fewer than 100 of about 3,000 firms are licensed). Renewables Reality Check: Energy Fiji Limited admits it must boost solar capability to stay on track for 90% renewables by 2036, saying it needs a 15% push by 2029 and new in-house solar skills. Tourism Workforce Pressure: Fiji’s tourism sector needs at least 100,000 hospitality workers to meet demand, with officials urging graduates to build careers locally. Mahogany Value Push: Fiji targets higher-value U.S. mahogany markets like guitar components and premium furniture to lift returns beyond basic timber exports. Maritime Security Boost: The U.S. handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull boats and a ramp to strengthen responses to drug trafficking and illegal fishing. Climate-Smart Food: Live and Learn Fiji’s Kiwa EMPOWER nursery project is rolling out community nurseries and tools to support climate-smart agriculture and food security.

Security Industry Act Review: Fiji Law Reform Commissioner Ana Rokomokoti says every drone in Fiji should be monitored to meet aviation rules, with the review also weighing stronger compliance for private security firms and even tracking chips—while consultations in Labasa also heard calls for clearer legal powers and training for security guards, including whether 48-hour work limits should be extended to 72 hours to lift pay. Maritime Security Boost: The US handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull inflatable boats plus a ramp to strengthen responses to drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and search-and-rescue. Renewables Reality Check: Energy Fiji Limited admits it must ramp up solar capability to stay on track for 90% renewables by 2036, saying it needs a 15% push by 2029 and new internal skills. Tourism Jobs Pressure: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says Fiji needs at least 100,000 hospitality workers to match visitor demand, urging locals to build careers at home. Innovation for Growth: The Fiji Innovation Hub at RBF is set to open doors for entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, training and market links. Food Security at Community Level: Live and Learn Fiji’s Kiwa EMPOWER nursery project in Visoqo, Namuka, is backing climate-smart agriculture with shared tools and seedlings. Trade & Industry: Fiji targets higher-value US mahogany markets (like guitar components and high-end furniture) and the Fiji Meat Industry Board reports a financial turnaround while facing questions on how grants are counted. Regional Health Watch: Pacific governments seek New Zealand’s advice on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and NZ. Fiji-India Ties: Fiji hoisted India’s national flag as part of the Suryapath Tiranga global relay marking India’s 80th Independence Day.

Maritime Security Boost: The US handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull inflatable boats and a ramp to strengthen responses to drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other threats, with Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua saying the smaller craft will improve mobility and near-shore operations. Renewables Reality Check: Energy Fiji Limited admits it’s behind on its 90% renewable target by 2036, saying it must ramp up solar capability by 15% by 2029 and build new in-house skills to close the hydro-dependent gap. Health Training Upgrade: Fiji National University begins work on a $9.8m medical simulation centre to let students practise procedures safely before real hospital placements. Innovation for Jobs: Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali pushes Fiji to move beyond a narrow economy, backing the Fiji Innovation Hub to help young people become job creators. Tourism Workforce Pressure: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka says Fiji needs at least 100,000 hospitality workers as visitor numbers rise, warning of skills shortages and overseas pull. Food Security at Community Level: Live and Learn Fiji’s Kiwa EMPOWER nursery project equips Visoqo Village with tools for climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity restoration. Waste-to-Energy Legal Push: Next Generation Holdings seeks more documents in its $1.4b Vuda Point waste-to-energy appeal, with the Environment Department ordered to file by 27 August.

Maritime Security Boost: The US handed Fiji three new seven-metre rigid-hull inflatable boats plus a ramp to strengthen patrols against drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other sea threats. Health Training Upgrade: Fiji National University broke ground on a $9.8m medical simulation centre to help students practise procedures safely before hospital placements. Renewables Reality Check: Energy Fiji Limited admitted it must ramp up solar capability to stay on track for 90% renewables by 2036, saying it needs major skills and effort gains by 2029. Innovation for Growth: Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali urged Fiji to broaden beyond a narrow economic base, backing the new Fiji Innovation Hub to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses. Tourism Workforce Pressure: Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said Fiji needs at least 100,000 hospitality workers and warned that training people only to lose them overseas undermines the sector. Food Security at Community Level: Live and Learn Fiji’s Kiwa EMPOWER nursery project is equipping Visoqo (Namuka) with tools to grow climate-smart seedlings for resilience and local food supply. Security Industry Reform: Fiji Law Reform Commission consultations are reviewing the Security Industry Act 2010, including licensing and training gaps. Business & Jobs: Kasabias opened a second Labasa outlet, investing $1m and creating 20 jobs, while Fiji Meat Industry Board reported a financial turnaround and tighter spending controls. Energy Cooperation: Fiji and South Korea discussed energy supply-chain cooperation, while Fiji and India signalled deeper development ties across renewable energy, skills, and digital transformation.

Security Regulation: Fiji Law Reform Commission is reviewing the Security Industry Act 2010, with public consultations on licensing tiers, risk-based vs traditional licensing, and the Registrar’s role after concerns that fewer than 100 of about 3,000 providers are properly licensed. Innovation & Jobs: Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali says Fiji must broaden beyond a narrow economic base and use innovation to create new industries and job creators, with the Fiji Innovation Hub set to support entrepreneurs. Renewables Roadmap: FNU, the International Solar Alliance and government partners are preparing a National Solar Energy Roadmap targeting 100% renewables, focusing on household solar, maritime mini-grids and grid-connected plants. Energy Diplomacy: Fiji and South Korea discussed energy supply chains and resilience in Seoul, while Fiji also explored fuel security cooperation with Malaysia. Climate & Water: Fiji Meteorological Service urges water conservation as El Niño-driven drier conditions loom, and officials push stronger early warning systems. Tourism & Skills: Government warns tourism can’t grow if trained hospitality workers keep leaving overseas, calling for better local career rewards. Waste-to-Energy Court Fight: Next Generation Holdings seeks more documents in its $1.4b Vuda waste-to-energy appeal after Environment Department filings were incomplete. Transport Costs: Fiji Taxi Association rejects FCCC’s plan to end the interim fare adjustment on Sept 30, arguing the 2011 distance rate no longer matches operating costs. Mining/Exploration: Thunderstruck Resources completes camp and access road for its Liwa gold-silver project in Fiji and renews prospecting licences ahead of drilling. Regional Business: Fiji-PNG Business Council plans to re-launch and recruit members to deepen private-sector links and investment.

Renewables Push: PM Rabuka urged private firms to back renewable energy and resilience as BAT commissioned a $1.5m solar-powered factory in Nabua and Nadi, cutting fuel reliance and supplying a large share of its Fiji electricity needs. Energy Security & Trade Links: Korea and Fiji held talks in Seoul on strengthening energy supply chains and broader cooperation, while Fiji also reopened its Kuala Lumpur mission to boost trade, investment, education and consular services. Pacific Industry & Logistics: Solomon Islands plans a regional fuel hub at Aruligo to secure up to 12 months of supply and cut freight costs across the Pacific, with possible sourcing from the US West Coast. Sugar Workforce Pressure: Rabuka warned Australia jobs could worsen labour shortages for Fiji’s sugar industry as permits allow longer stays. Sugar Mill Uncertainty: The NFU rejected proposals to close Western Division mills and concentrate production in Vanua Levu, saying growers need clarity on long-term plans. Transport Costs: Taxi operators are pushing FCCC to keep the $1.40/km interim distance rate and suspend the return to the $1/km rate from Oct 1, citing outdated 2011 costs. Tourism Risk From Marine Bill: Former AG Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warned the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill could undermine tourism and hotel investment confidence by shifting marine area rights. Security Sector Reform: Fiji’s licensing gaps persist, with fewer than 100 of about 3,000 security providers licensed, prompting a review of the Security Industry Act. Climate & Early Warnings: Fiji is urged to strengthen impact-based early warning systems so communities can act before disasters. Food Safety: The Consumer Council of Fiji took action after a cockroach was found in bread, issuing notices and referring the case for further action.

Energy & Industry: Fiji could cut costs fast by scaling solar and storage, with the International Solar Alliance saying Fiji spends over $1.1b on diesel annually and solar could save up to 12% of GDP, while ISA also installed solar-plus-battery at Beqa’s nursing station to keep vaccines cold and boost emergency power. Tourism & Marine Governance: Former AG Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum warned Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill could unsettle tourism investors and lenders, arguing the proposed changes may affect foreshore access and security for hotel financing. Security & Jobs: Fiji is reviewing the Security Industry Act 2010 as guards push for stronger powers, including defensive batons and more arrest authority, amid concerns about violence in nightclubs. Digital & Cyber: Fiji’s push to digitise 80% of government services is driving calls for tougher cyber-security and clearer enforcement against cybercrime. Agriculture Exports: Ginger exports are growing, with farmers urged to diversify beyond single crops as green and mature ginger perform well; kava demand also remains strong. Finance Inclusion: The RBF reports women’s mobile money use is high, but formal credit access still lags, with gaps targeted under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy. Diplomacy & Trade: Fiji reopened its Kuala Lumpur High Commission, aiming to strengthen energy security, trade, investment and ASEAN links, while also exploring fuel-security cooperation with PETRONAS and Malaysia. Climate Politics: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger COP31 push for climate finance and renewables, stressing Pacific leadership ahead of Pre-COP31 meetings. Business Expansion: Polar Power says it has generated $7.9m in Pacific revenue since 2024 with repeat orders driving growth across off-grid and bad-grid telecom power needs.

Digital & Cybersecurity: Fiji’s push to digitise government services is moving fast, but Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica says cyber-security must be built in from day one as Fiji targets 80% of services online and strengthens laws to tackle cybercrime. AI Governance: Fiji’s CyberSec Conference heard that Fiji still lacks AI-specific legislation, making it hard for organisations to set safe internal AI policies while government work on data protection is expected soon. Energy Security: Fiji is exploring fuel security partnerships with PETRONAS and Malaysia, including possible inclusion in oil storage and stockpiling arrangements to reduce vulnerability to shipping disruptions and price shocks. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and louder Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings. Food & Agriculture: Fiji’s dairy sector remains far below demand, producing about 25% of milk needs as farmers struggle with herd rebuilding after disease and rising feed, fuel and transport costs; meanwhile, ACIAR, FNU and USP are redesigning Pacific Agriculture Scholarships to grow local research capacity. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council of Fiji acted after a cockroach was found in bread, issuing a non-compliance notice and referring the case for further action. Labour & Wages: Minister Lynda Tabuya supports an $8 living wage as an objective but insists on a proper review and consultation process to avoid pushing costs onto consumers. Creative Industries: VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus heads to Australia for four-city performances, while the Kula Awards 2026 keeps expanding reach with schools arriving in Suva from Lau. Security Sector: Consultations on the Security Industry Act review heard calls for stronger powers for guards, including authority to carry defensive batons.

Rugby & Talent: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have signed Flying Fijians halfback Sam Wye for the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, adding a high-energy playmaker with Test experience and Lau links. Financial Inclusion: The Reserve Bank of Fiji says women’s use of formal accounts and mobile money is rising, but credit access still lags, with RBF pushing new definitions and a Women Entrepreneurs Finance push. Digital Payments: BSP has launched BSP eDollar, Fiji’s first bank-backed electronic wallet with QR payments and transfers across BSP customers and participating wallets. Transport Costs: Fiji’s taxi interim fare increase ends September 30, with fares reverting from October 1 as fuel pressures ease. Sugar Industry: Government is exploring mechanical harvesting for hilly cane areas, with machines being tested to tackle steep terrain and labour shortages. Climate & Water: El Niño is tightening water and food supplies across Fiji and the Pacific, with Fiji warning of possible “drastic measures” if rainfall stays low. Cyber & Policy: Fiji’s AI law gap is making it hard for organisations to set safeguards, as government signals data protection rules may come soon. Public Safety: Fiji will set up a professional Counter Narcotics Bureau to strengthen drug policy, intelligence and enforcement. Rehabilitation & Agriculture: Labasa inmates in a corrections programme are targeting 11,000 tonnes of cane this year, boosting both rehabilitation and local economic activity. Energy Tech (Region): Polar Power secured repeat orders for solar hybrid systems to expand off-grid broadband power in the Solomon Islands.

Fintech & Payments: BSP launches BSP eDollar, Fiji’s first bank-backed electronic wallet, bringing QR payments and mobile wallet transfers into the BSP network. Climate & Water Security: El Niño is tightening water and food supplies across Fiji and Papua New Guinea, with Fiji warning of possible “drastic measures” as WAF activates dry-weather plans. Transport Costs: Taxi fares in Fiji revert to base rates from October 1 after the interim fuel-linked increase ends September 30; bus fares follow a similar reset, with Viti Levu/Vanua Levu returning to base rates and Taveuni revised from September 1. Energy Skills: International Solar Alliance will set up a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to train solar installers and operators. Drug Enforcement: Fiji moves to establish a professional Counter Narcotics Bureau to tackle drug policy, intelligence and enforcement, citing major meth seizures. Sugar Industry: Government explores mechanical harvesting for hilly cane areas, testing suitable machines to ease labour shortages. Digital Capacity: Fiji’s National Conference on Information Technology returns with record sponsorship under “Vanua to Virtual,” pushing local digital capability. Education Pressure: Reserve Bank of Fiji data shows households squeezed by costs, while FNU warns financial hardship is forcing thousands out of university. Governance & Compliance: Fiji’s High Court hears submissions in the Bainimarama/Sayed-Khaiyum abuse-of-office case tied to biomedical analyser procurement. Sports & Talent: Flying Fijians halfback Sam Wye signs with Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for the 2027 season.

Diplomacy & Trade: Fiji’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has reopened after COVID, with Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka saying it will deepen ties with Malaysia and ASEAN on energy security, trade diversification, investment, education and people-to-people links. Transport Costs: The FCCC says interim taxi fare increases end Sept 30, with authorised rates returning Oct 1; it also confirms interim bus fares end Aug 31, with Viti Levu and Vanua Levu reverting to base rates and Taveuni’s revised fares starting Sept 1. Sugar Industry Restructure: Government plans a multi-year overhaul of Fiji’s sugar sector, citing aging mills and low mill efficiency, with a broader revival strategy expected by year-end after consultations. Agriculture Skills at Home: Vanua Levu students can now train in agriculture, fisheries and forestry at the Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere Campus in Labasa, using a “Living Laboratory Vuvale Garden” to build practical career pathways. Energy & Industry Partnerships: The International Solar Alliance deepened solar cooperation with Papua New Guinea, announcing a STAR-C resource centre to boost local solar deployment capacity. Pacific Security Unity: Fiji’s foreign minister says Pacific nations are aligning to strengthen their global voice ahead of upcoming Forum discussions, including sensitive missile statement negotiations. Healthcare Boost: Navua Hospital fundraising has topped $100,000, including a major medical equipment donation from New Zealand’s Fiji Packers of Gold Club.