AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Aviation: Fiji hit a new tourism milestone with 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, and Tourism Fiji Industry Day 2026 pushed the message of “value over volume” for jobs and community benefits. High-end travel lift: Fly Fiji is adding a new twin-engine helicopter with IFR capability to better serve luxury tourism, including the Namena diving resort rebuild. Hotel investment: Hilton Fiji (Denarau) is planning major upgrades for its next 20 years, including a new lobby and room and restaurant refurbishments. Transport costs & fares: Taxi operators say rising fuel, vehicle and insurance costs are squeezing drivers, and they’re urging the FCCC to keep the current 4-cent fare increase in place longer. Media & trust: A BBC Media Action workshop in Savusavu tackled how journalists can adapt as audiences increasingly get information from social media. Housing & construction: Fiji is accelerating bamboo research into action, with new estimates suggesting bamboo building could cost about $1,300 per square metre and help meet climate-resilient housing needs. Governance & integrity: Parliament heard warnings of corruption and fraud risks across the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union, spanning ports, security, health, digital transformation and AI. Agriculture pressure: El Niño dry conditions are worsening in the Western Division, hitting Lautoka farmers and livestock and raising fire risks. Labour mobility: Fiji is finalising an agreement to send up to 1,500 caregivers to Israel over 12 months, with the first group of 25 expected by December. Safety alerts: The Consumer Council warned parents about imported “Music Lollipops” after reports of serious child injuries.

Consumer Safety: The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning parents and guardians against imported “Music Lollipops” after concerns that a built-in lithium battery can be exposed if the stick casing is opened, creating choking and burn risks for children. Transport Costs & Regulation: Taxi operators say rising fuel, vehicle and insurance costs have made the business unsustainable, urging the FCCC to keep the current 14-cent fare (after a temporary four-cent increase) from reverting on Oct 1. Tourism & Aviation: Fiji Airways’ alliance partner oneworld was named “World’s Best Airline Alliance” at the 2026 Skytrax Awards, while Fiji tourism hit a new high with 105,791 visitor arrivals in July and a push for “value over volume.” Climate & Agriculture: El Niño dry conditions are intensifying pressure on Lautoka farmers and livestock, with drought response and food-price monitoring also in focus. Industry & Business: Fly Fiji is adding a new twin-engine helicopter to support high-end tourism, and Fiji’s bamboo research points to cheaper, climate-friendly housing options. Labour Mobility: Fiji is finalising an agreement to send up to 1,500 caregivers to Israel over 12 months, with the first 25 expected by December. Mining & Land Reform: Fiji seeks Australian expertise for mining reforms and a proposed Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill, including land administration modernisation.

El Niño Pressure on Food Supply: Western Division farmers and livestock keep feeling the dry spell, with Lautoka residents reporting harsher conditions, fewer vegetables and higher fire risks for sugarcane. ADB Shock Buffer: Fiji secured a US$210m Asian Development Bank package (US$200m policy loan, US$10m disaster financing) to protect households, expand finance access and strengthen disaster readiness as fuel and food costs bite. Tourism Milestone: Fiji hit a record 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, pushing past 100,000 for the first time, while leaders stress “value over volume” and wider community benefits. Mining & Land Reforms: Fiji is seeking Australian expertise for major mining and land law changes, including a Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill and upgrades to land services and workforce development. Caregivers to Israel: Fiji and Israel are finalising a labour mobility plan for up to 1,500 caregivers in 12 months, with the first 25 expected by December. Agribusiness Wins: A former Corrections officer’s poultry and goat operation earned Layer Farmer of the Year, while Yaladro cane farmers expand mechanical harvesting to tackle labour shortages. Stray Dog Control: Free vet services at the Labasa National Agriculture Show targeted desexing, microchipping and parasite treatment. Taxi Industry Tensions: Taxi groups challenge fare timing and question app-based private passenger services, warning of regulatory gaps and illegal “pari” competition. Bamboo for Homes: Research and draft guidelines point to bamboo construction at about $1,300 per square metre as Fiji looks for cheaper, greener housing options.

ADB Support: Fiji secured a US$210m Asian Development Bank package—US$200m policy loan plus US$10m disaster financing—to cushion higher fuel and food costs, slow growth, and climate shocks. Mining & Land Reform: Fiji is tapping Australian expertise for mining and land law changes, including a proposed Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill, plus upgrades to digital land records and community consultation models. Labour Mobility & Tourism: Fiji and Israel are finalising a deal to bring 1,500 Fijian caregivers over 12 months, with tourism and agriculture internships also expanding. Tourism Milestone: Fiji hit a record 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, with leaders pushing “value over volume” and stronger benefits for local businesses and communities. Transport & Regulation: Taxi groups are challenging FCCC fare changes and questioning app-based private passenger services, warning of service gaps and rising illegal “pari” activity. Public Health: Fiji declared an HIV national emergency after diagnoses surged, with government urging open action to protect tourism confidence. Agri & Housing: Bamboo research points to cheaper, greener building costs, while cane harvesting mechanisation is boosting Yaladro farmers’ harvest timing and incomes.

Tourism Milestone: Fiji hit 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, the first time monthly numbers topped 100,000, with Tourism Fiji’s Industry Day 2026 urging growth that delivers real value for jobs and communities, not just headcounts. Aviation & High-End Travel: Fly Fiji is investing in a new twin-engine IFR helicopter fleet to move luxury visitors faster, including support for the rebuilt Namena diving resort. Exports & Small Business: Perfume Fiji founder Rupeni Rokoratu is pushing beyond local sales after export shipments were blocked by “dangerous goods” courier classification, seeking production space and export support. Agriculture & Youth Jobs: Best Crop farmer Devendra Singh urges young Fijians back to village commercial farming, citing strong earnings and resilience after yaqona dieback. Climate-Ready Housing Materials: Fiji World Bamboo Day research handed to the Forestry Ministry points to bamboo construction costs around $1,300 per sq m and a path to national guidelines. Sugar & Labour Relief: Yaladro farmers’ co-op received a second mechanical cane harvester to modernise harvesting, tackle labour shortages and protect cane value. Consumer Safety: The Consumer Council warns parents after a squishy toy burst in a 10-year-old boy’s face, sending him to hospital. HIV & Tourism Confidence: Tourism minister Viliame Gavoka says Fiji will be open about HIV and drugs, backed by a Cabinet subcommittee monitoring action. ADB Resilience Funding: ADB will deploy $210m to protect households and services from shocks, including Middle East fallout and El Niño impacts. Transport & Regulation: Taxi groups challenge FCCC fare timing and question apps using private cars, while traffic police cite manpower shortages limiting enforcement. Food Price Risk: Fiji’s consumer watchdog warns El Niño could cut local production and lift food and logistics costs. Industry Tech Partnerships: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RC Manubhai sign a three-year pact to bring AI/IoT and video analytics to Fiji and the wider Pacific. HIV National Emergency: Fiji declared an HIV national crisis after diagnoses surged, with testing and treatment efforts ramped up.

Taxi & Transport Regulation: Fiji Taxi Association has asked the FCCC to keep the general taxi fare at 14 cents per 100 metres, arguing the interim fuel-linked adjustment should not end without a clear end date and requesting stability for 3–5 years. Competition & Enforcement: Taxi operators are also challenging an app that lets private car owners take passenger jobs, while others say evening and off-peak taxi gaps are pushing riders to illegal “pari” operators; traffic police in the West report manpower shortages and limited targeted action. Cost of Living & Food Security: The FCCC warns El Niño could lift prices and reduce availability of food and essentials, citing risks to sugarcane and other crops and higher freight, landed and fertiliser costs. Health & Human Development: Fiji has declared an HIV national emergency after a sharp rise in infections, with low testing and treatment coverage flagged. Climate & Infrastructure: Fiji says it loses about $500m a year to climate disasters, and a temporary Denarau sewer pipeline is on track to cut service disruptions. Agriculture & Industry: Bamboo research reports are being handed to government to support a bamboo construction code of practice, while Fiji and China continue agricultural training cooperation. Regional Business & Tech: Kritilabs and RC Manubhai sign a three-year pact to bring AI/IoT and industrial solutions to Fiji and the wider Pacific.

Agriculture & Training: China’s Embassy chargé d’affaires Wang Yuan attended Fiji’s agricultural training program (nearly 300 trainees) in Suva, Sigatoka and Nadi, focused on breeding, pest control and crop processing—aimed at boosting incomes and poverty reduction. Construction Materials: Fiji handed over six bamboo research reports to the Forestry Ministry to support a bamboo-specific code of practice and build confidence in bamboo as a climate-resilient construction material. Food Prices & Supply Risks: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission warned El Niño could push up prices and reduce availability of some foods and essentials, with sugarcane, rice, cassava and dalo among the vulnerable crops; traders face continued inspections and price controls. Climate Cost & Policy Scrutiny: Fiji said climate-related disasters cost about $500m a year (around 5% of GDP), raising questions in Parliament about whether climate finance under the Vuvale Union will reach communities. Tech & Industry Partnerships: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RC Manubhai & Co signed a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and video analytics to Fiji and expand across Pacific markets. Transport & Enforcement: Western Division traffic police report manpower shortages, limiting enforcement and operations against illegal taxi operators. Public Participation: SEEP urged Fiji to start early public awareness for a proposed national referendum after low turnout at a Labasa consultation. HIV & Health: Fiji’s HIV surveillance report shows diagnoses rising, with young men (20–24) leading male-to-male transmission cases.

Climate & Resilience: Fiji is losing about $500m a year to climate-related disasters, with floods and cyclones driving roughly 80% of damage, and officials say the challenge is turning climate finance into practical on-the-ground projects. Water & Infrastructure: A temporary sewer rising main for Denarau Road is on track to finish by end of September, aiming to cut recurring sewer bursts and protect public health in a key tourism hub. El Niño Watch: Disaster planners are preparing for a possible severe El Niño, with contingency steps already underway for water shortages in rainfall-dependent islands and areas like Taveuni. Agriculture Under Pressure: The Agriculture Ministry warns El Niño-linked dry weather could push food prices higher, while livestock farmers are urged to manage stress through water, feed and possible culling of vulnerable animals. HIV Response: Fiji has declared a national HIV crisis after diagnoses rose 27% in 2025, with young men (20–24) leading male-to-male cases and authorities expanding testing and harm-reduction services. Local Business & Jobs: Fiji is seeking deeper UK support for economic diversification, digital transformation and MSME growth, including potential UK-backed financing for WAF infrastructure. Transport & Trade: Government says some dry-docking needs must be booked overseas due to local limits, and maritime planning is critical to avoid service disruptions. Tourism Industry: Tourism Fiji’s Industry Day 2026 shifts focus from visitor numbers to greater economic value and wider community participation. Security & Enforcement: Taxi operators complain about illegal “pari” drivers undercutting licensed operators, calling for stronger enforcement. Rural Livelihoods: Yaqona theft in Taveuni is threatening farmers’ income, with calls for tougher action against crop theft.

HIV Crisis: Fiji has declared HIV a national crisis after diagnoses rose 27% in 2025, with 2,016 people diagnosed and authorities moving to widen free, voluntary testing, prevention medicines and harm-reduction services. Public Health Response: Government says sterile needles and syringes are already procured for a harm-reduction rollout, but distribution is awaiting Cabinet and legal amendments. Climate & Water Security: El Niño contingency plans are being prepared as below-normal rainfall threatens water supplies, with Taveuni among areas needing support and water-carting arranged. Agriculture Under Pressure: Agriculture Minister warns El Niño could lift food prices as drought cuts crop and livestock productivity; livestock farmers are urged to manage feed and water and consider culling vulnerable animals. Fisheries & Trade: Pacific countries used COFI37 to push for stronger support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management. Maritime Industry: Fiji faces dry-docking constraints for larger vessels, forcing some repairs overseas and prompting calls for earlier planning. Tourism & Skills: Tourism Fiji’s Industry Day 2026 focused on turning visitor growth into wider community benefits, while Fiji chefs won gold in Australia’s culinary challenge. Energy & Infrastructure: Google’s Natadola facility is clarified as a cable landing and monitoring support centre, not a major data centre. Sports: Fiji Pearls suffered a second straight loss in Oceania qualifiers, while Fiji’s Drua re-signed key players for 2027.

Water & Drought Response: Fiji’s drought plan is now being activated as reduced rainfall starts to bite, with agencies monitoring water sources and coordinating through the National Disaster Management Office. Public Health & Harm Reduction: Fiji has sterile needles and syringes ready for a national harm-reduction programme, but rollout is waiting on Cabinet approval and legal amendments. HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency as infections rise, with health and tourism messaging moving to reassure visitors. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council has referred a Suva real estate agency to the licensing board after it refused to refund a $10,000 deposit when a sale collapsed due to vendor withdrawal. Kava Industry Rules: Fiji’s proposed Kava Bill is welcomed, but academics warn tough licensing and traceability could burden small rural growers unless guidance is practical. Food Prices & Farming: PM Rabuka urged farmers to boost supply and affordability of local food to curb reliance on unhealthy processed options. Renewables for Communities: Guangdong Province donated 100 solar streetlights to improve safety and cut reliance on conventional power. Tourism Transport Upgrade: South Sea Cruises and Tour Managers will launch Fiji’s first electric coaches in October for lower-noise, zero-emissions transfers around Port Denarau. Fisheries Value for Fiji: Fisheries Minister Bainivalu says tuna wealth must translate into jobs, investment and income for Pacific communities, not just global exports.

HIV Response & Harm Reduction: Fiji says it has enough sterile needles and syringes for a national harm-reduction programme, but rollout is waiting on Government approval and legal amendments, with Cabinet work aimed to get it through by the next Parliament sitting on Sept 28. Fisheries Value & Transparency: Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu says Fiji wants a bigger share of tuna wealth that turns into jobs, investment and income, while Fiji also signs on to the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) to improve access to verified fisheries data. Climate & Resilience: As cyclone season nears, Habitat for Humanity highlights community-led shelter and safe-water planning across Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Real Estate Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council has referred a Suva agency to the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board after it refused to refund a $10,000 deposit when a sale collapsed due to vendor withdrawal. Kava Industry Rules: Fiji’s Kava Bill is welcomed, but academics warn tough licensing and traceability could burden small rural growers unless guidance is practical and clear. Agriculture for Profits: PM Rabuka urges farmers to shift from output to productivity, innovation and better returns, as Fiji pushes for higher-income growth. Renewables & Public Safety: Guangdong Province donates 100 solar streetlights to improve safer, greener public spaces. Tourism & Transport: South Sea Cruises Group will launch Fiji’s first electric coaches in October, and a Rakiraki eco-village gets a $15,000 grant to expand jobs and community tourism. Skills for Industry: Government offers 1,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for AI, cybersecurity, data and IT support to boost digital readiness. Super Rugby Pacific: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua confirm eight home games in 2027 across Suva, Lautoka and Ba.

Coconut Revival: Government is moving to rehabilitate ageing Fiji coconut plantations, with Rabuka saying about half of the crop area (30,000+ hectares) is senile and needs replanting or rehab to lift productivity, farmer incomes and value-added processing. Agriculture Push: Rabuka also used the 2026 National Agriculture Show in Labasa to urge a shift from higher volumes to higher productivity, better technology, value addition and stronger returns for farmers. Trade & Investment Link: Guangdong’s products roadshow in Suva is pitching smart manufacturing, AI, consumer electronics and greener energy storage, with Fiji positioned as a gateway for Chinese firms into the wider Pacific. Digital Skills Boost: Fiji will offer 1,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and more, targeting both public/civil servants and micro, small and medium businesses. Fisheries Transparency: Fiji has signed up to implement the Fisheries Transparency Initiative standard to improve access to credible fisheries data and strengthen stock management and anti-illegal fishing efforts. Water Infrastructure Funding: The Water Authority is seeking about $500m for water and wastewater projects under the Fiji-Australia partnership, including Nadi-Lautoka supply upgrades and sanitation improvements. Energy Rules Review: Fiji’s electricity legislation is under review to remove barriers for private investors and independent power producers, with renewable energy a key focus. Tourism Investment: PSA Investments has broken ground on a $60m Wyndham hotel development in Nadi, aiming to expand jobs and local procurement. Health & Water Preparedness: Health officials are preparing hospitals for possible dry-season water shortages as El Niño risks rise, including reserve tanks and hygiene messaging. Workforce & Industry Loss: FTUC is mourning Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh, praising his long union career and his work supporting workers under the PALM scheme. Kava Bill Caution: Fiji’s proposed Kava Bill is welcomed for strengthening the sector, but academics warn tough licensing and traceability rules could burden rural small farmers unless guidance is practical and clear. Consumer & Beverage Launch: Heineken Silver has been officially launched in Fiji as a low-carb lager, rolling out through bars, restaurants and retailers nationwide. Maritime Security: US Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in Fiji and boardings targeting illegal fishing. Rugby Calendar: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua confirmed they’ll host eight home games in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with fixtures across Suva, Lautoka and Ba.

Kava Bill Watch: Fiji’s proposed Kava Bill is welcomed for stronger licensing, traceability and quality controls, but academics warn tough compliance could squeeze small rural growers unless rules and paperwork are made practical. Agribusiness Push: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says agriculture must drive economic growth by shifting from higher output to productivity, technology, value addition and better returns for farmers as the National Agriculture Show returns to Labasa. Fisheries Transparency: Fiji becomes the first Pacific Island country to commit to the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) Standard, aiming for more accessible, verified fisheries data to improve stock management and tackle illegal fishing. Energy & Water Planning: Fiji’s electricity laws are under review to attract more renewable investment and independent power producers, while the Water Authority flags about $500m in priority water and wastewater projects under the Fiji-Australia partnership. Digital Skills: Government will offer 1,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and more, targeting job-ready skills for the public and businesses. Tourism & Trade: Heineken Silver is officially launched in Fiji, and Guangdong is eyeing deeper trade and investment ties with Fiji as a regional gateway. Health & Travel: Fiji Airways says Fiji’s tourism appeal remains strong despite Cabinet declaring the HIV outbreak a national crisis, and Tongan patients continue to seek heart treatment in Fiji. Sports & Industry: Fiji Rugby appoints Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance, while the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua confirm eight home games in 2027.

Pharmacy & Healthcare Access: Brothers Rajesh and Mitesh Thakorlal have rebranded five Fiji branches under Healthwise Pharmacy, aiming for consistent standards and wider health and wellness access. Rural Delivery & Procurement: Fiji’s Rural and Maritime Development ministry is moving to improve project delivery, with $35.4m for 16 capital programmes in 2026-2027 and a push for outcomes on time. Dry Season Preparedness: The Health Ministry is preparing hospitals and health centres for possible water shortages, adding reserve tanks and renewable power for vaccine storage. Renewables Investment Gap: An ADB study says private renewable energy investment remains limited across the Pacific, calling for stronger planning, bankable contracts and better procurement. Agriculture & Food Security: The National Agriculture Show returns to Labasa after six years, bringing new farming methods and animal breeding to help farmers cope with drought and fuel pressures. Tourism & Local Jobs: A $60m Nadi hotel development is underway, expected to create construction jobs and boost local business participation. Sports & Talent Pathways: Fiji Rugby appoints Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance to strengthen the pathway from age-grade to national teams. Community & Environment: Children lead a Suva Point clean-up, urging responsible waste disposal to protect waterways.

Leadership & Sport: Fiji Rugby has appointed Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance, aiming to tighten the pathway from age-grade rugby to national teams. Health & Water Security: The Health Ministry is on alert for dry-season shortages, with reserve tanks, stronger water and sanitation at facilities, and renewable power for vaccine storage. Sustainability & Business: Ahead of PMIBA 2026, Investment Fiji says more firms are pushing sustainability and efficient practices for export markets. Energy Investment: An ADB study warns renewable power investment across the Pacific is still thin, calling for better planning, bankable contracts, and stronger grids to attract private capital. Agriculture & Food Supply: Fiji is exploring genetic upgrades for sheep and goat production, including talks with Barbados and India, to cut meat import dependence. Tourism & Hospitality: A $60m Nadi hotel development is underway, while Warwick Fiji appoints its first Fijian GM to drive luxury upgrades. Community & Industry Services: A drive-through pharmacy opens in Nasinu, and Savusavu business leaders want tougher enforcement of $200 litter fines. Regional Resilience: Pacific meteorological services are strengthening early warning systems as El Niño impacts may linger.

Agriculture & Food Security: The National Agriculture Show returns to Labasa after six years, bringing farmers practical training on new farming methods, income generation and coping with drought and fuel pressures. Public Health & Tourism: Fiji’s tourism sector backs the Government’s HIV response after Cabinet declared the outbreak a national crisis, pledging accurate information and continued normal operations for visitors. Health Governance: The Fiji Medical Association says doctors should stop running hospitals and push for trained managers, citing Aspen Medical-managed hospitals as a model for patient safety systems. Environment & Clean Cities: Children led a Suva Point clean-up with Minister Lynda Tabuya, collecting household, automotive and industrial waste and urging people to stop dumping rubbish into waterways. Sports & National Pride: FIJI Water Flying Fijians gear up for a new-format Pacific Nations Cup semi-final against Canada in Osaka tonight, with a squad led by Drua players and debutants. Regional Trade & Innovation: Fiji’s Teivaka won a pitch at the Global AgriInno Challenge, using mobile-based digital identity and multilingual AI guidance to support smallholders. Sugar Industry: The Sugar Industry Tribunal says Fiji’s sugar rail network could be saved if key tramlines are repaired and better cane transport systems are introduced. Workplace & Industry Loss: Tributes pour in for late Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh, praised by unions and business for his service to workers and education.