AGP Executive Report

Business & Investment: Fiji’s Top Executive Conference (TOPEX) will stay at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa for TOPEX 2026 and 2027, with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation saying the venue deal keeps a key private-sector platform running. Water & Utilities: Taveuni residents say they’re still waiting for water deliveries as the dry spell bites, while Fiji’s meteorology and public works teams warn of below-normal rainfall through the year and push strict conservation. Tax & Revenue: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service records a historic $3.51b net haul for FY2025-26, citing resilience despite fuel and inflation pressures. Energy Costs: New analysis from 350.org estimates higher oil prices have already cost Fiji about $45m since the Iran war, with bigger losses possible if escalation continues. Agriculture & Exports: PIDF and New Valley Processors link thousands of contracted farmers to Northern Pacific export markets, aiming to boost fresh produce supply and food security. Regional Industry & Policy: Rabuka sets a 2050 middle-income target tied to raising income-earning capacity, while Fiji’s cocoa sector eyes scaling exports and farmer participation. Governance & Industry: Union alleges Energy Fiji Limited wage increases were delayed for years while executives’ pay rose, as Fiji’s sugar lease issues and FICAC scrutiny continue to surface. Environment & Science: Microplastics are reported in deep-sea vent animals from the North Fiji Basin, adding to growing pollution concerns.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July missile test, with New Zealand pushing for unity but divisions likely to spill into the leaders’ meeting. Water & Energy Costs: Fiji is bracing for prolonged dry conditions under El Niño, with Water Authority contingency plans and calls to cut peak demand; separate analysis warns higher oil prices could already cost Fiji about $45m and more if escalation continues. Sugar Industry Reset: PM Rabuka says Fiji’s ageing sugar mills must be replaced with smaller, more efficient ones, while cane farmers and the iTaukei Land Trust Board push for answers on delayed land leases and sugar supply. Governance & Business: Rabuka also wants answers on the unfinished $12m Fiji National University Naiyaca campus after a FICAC referral; meanwhile FRCS recorded a record $3.51b net revenue for FY2025-26. Trade & Tourism: Fiji and PNG trade is led by manufactured goods, food and industrial inputs; Tourism Fiji launched four Chinese-language guides for families, couples, solo and groups. Labour Tensions: Union claims Energy Fiji Limited executives received higher pay while workers waited years for wage increases.

Tourism & Trade: Tourism Fiji rolled out four Chinese-language travel guides for families, couples, solo travellers and groups, aiming to match changing visitor expectations with tailored itineraries. Sugar Industry: PM Rabuka wants answers on the unfinished $12m Fiji National University Naiyaca campus and the status of the FICAC probe, while Seaqaqa cane farmer Sheila Wati is set to receive her delayed land lease after paying the premium; Rabuka also signalled a shift toward smaller, newer sugar mills and more training for skilled workers. Labour & Utilities: The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union alleges Energy Fiji Limited executives received higher pay while workers waited years for wage increases. Economy & Revenue: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service hit a record $3.51b net revenue for FY2025-26, beating forecast as trade and employment held up. Water & Agriculture: With El Niño driving below-normal rainfall, Fiji activated dry-weather contingency plans and urged strict water conservation; farmers and hotels are being pushed to cut peak demand use. Regional Security: New Zealand took over leadership of the Pacific Response Group; Pacific foreign ministers debate how to respond to China’s July missile test. Shipping & Climate Policy: Pacific states urged IMO’s Net-Zero Fund as essential for a fair shipping transition. Business Events: TOPEX will stay at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa for two more years, keeping a key platform for investors and industry networking. Food & Exports: PIDF and New Valley Processors will link contracted farmers to fresh-produce export markets in the Northern Pacific.

Sugar Industry Pressure: Cane farmers told the Parliamentary Special Committee in Seaqaqa that expired leases and idle land are hurting production, while others say they’re “worse than beggars” as costs rise and deductions leave little income; PM Rabuka also reassured growers that any FSC privatisation won’t be rushed. Mill Modernisation: Rabuka signalled a shift toward new, smaller, more efficient sugar mills after touring Labasa, alongside plans to improve training for skilled workers. Climate Response: Fiji’s climate ministry says science is central to stronger Pacific resilience ahead of pre-COP31/COP31, while Pacific leaders warn COP31 must deliver deeper cuts and faster climate finance. Shipping Emissions: Six Pacific states backed an IMO Net-Zero Fund as a “functional requirement” so transport decarbonisation doesn’t leave developing members behind. Agriculture Weather Risk: Fiji Met Office warns El Niño will bring drier conditions through early 2027, urging farmers and tourism to conserve water. Kava Supply Deal: The Calmer Co locked in long-term premium noble kava sourcing beyond Fiji into PNG and Vanuatu to strengthen supply for growing demand. Mining Law & Land Rights: Namosi landowners demand transparency and stronger protections in Mining Act reforms, including free, prior and informed consent. Housing & Urban Development: India and Fiji discussed affordable social housing, sustainable urban development, waste management and local governance cooperation. Business & Wages Debate: Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation rejected an $8 living wage as unrealistic amid labour shortages and high operating costs. Coaching & Sports Industry: Former England World Cup winner Mike Catt joined Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as senior assistant coach ahead of 2027.

Human Trafficking in Fishing Supply Chains: Korea’s probe into a deep-sea fishing worker’s alleged confinement after a motel escape and fall has spotlighted illegal dispatch networks and abuse risks for crews. Sugar Industry Revival: In Seaqaqa consultations, PM Rabuka and DPM Kamikamica urged farmers not to panic over privatization, while growers demanded higher cane prices and fairer deductions; officials said cane prices track the global market and government top-ups help meet a $85/tonne minimum. Bagasse Push: Cane producers say bagasse and mill mud could be turned into electricity and soil inputs, plus value-added products, to lift farm incomes and FSC performance. Labour Costs Debate: Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation rejected an $8 living wage as unrealistic amid low productivity, labour shortages and high operating costs. Climate & Water Stress: Fiji Met Office warns El Niño is strengthening, bringing drier conditions into early 2027, urging farmers and tourism to conserve water. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific leaders are alarmed by US moves to auction seabed areas near territories like American Samoa, citing lack of consultation and threats to food security. Mining Law Reform: Namosi landowners demand clearer protections in Mining Act and Quarries Act updates, including free, prior and informed consent and stronger environmental safeguards. Kava Supply Deal: The Calmer Co secured long-term premium noble kava access from PNG and Vanuatu to boost supply resilience for growing demand. Digital Payments for Women Vendors: DUAPAY, backed by Mastercard and partners, expands mobile card payments for Fiji’s small women-led businesses. Circular Economy: A paper recycling firm urged workplaces to separate clean wastepaper and support locally recycled products as Fiji tackles rising solid waste. Rugby & Coaching: Former England World Cup winner Mike Catt joined Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as senior assistant coach ahead of 2027.

Sugar Sector Watch: PM Sitiveni Rabuka told Seaqaqa cane farmers FSC privatisation won’t be rushed, promising careful study and consultations as the Government weighs options while keeping support for landowners and farmers. Farmgate Prices: Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna said cane prices are driven by the global sugar market, with Fiji using a top-up to protect the $85/tonne minimum—warning any further world price drops may require higher top-ups. Industry Leadership: Charan Jeath Singh is back as Sugar Minister after Rabuka restored the portfolio, expected to formally take up the role next week. Maritime & Security: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific nations, featuring a new Maritime Operations Forum and updated senior leader sessions to strengthen cooperation against illicit activities and crises. Payments for Women Entrepreneurs: DUAPAY, backed by Mastercard and partners, is now live for Fiji’s small businesses via mobile card/digital payments after a 12-month pilot with Westpac customers. Cutting-Room Sustainability: Krishna Lamicoat says it has launched a plant-based biofilm for garment CAD-CAM cutting to replace plastic film waste, including a Fiji-linked customer demand. Business Pressure: Suva retailers warn freight costs and weaker spending are squeezing margins as container charges rise and inflation bites. Recycling Push: South Pacific Waste Recyclers urged businesses to separate clean paper for free collection, citing 15 million kg recycled over 15 years. Power Update: Energy Fiji scheduled a maintenance outage for parts of Central and Rewa from 6am–6pm tomorrow. Skills Pipeline: Polytech Pacific graduates (350) were urged to use work-ready trades skills to meet Fiji’s demand across construction, renewables, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and IT. PMIBA Support: FIJI Water renewed its Supreme Award sponsorship for PMIBA 2026 for a ninth straight year.

Sugar Industry Watch: Prime Minister Rabuka has restored Charan Jeath Singh as Sugar Minister and kicked off Vanua Levu consultations with cane farmers, as growers push for practical fixes to revive the sector. Supply Chain & Cost Pressure: Retailers in Suva warn that freight costs, inflation and weaker spending are squeezing businesses and households, with container charges reportedly nearly doubling. Circular Economy Push: South Pacific Waste Recyclers is urging workplaces to separate clean paper so it can expand free collection, after recycling over 15 million kg in Fiji. Skills for Industry: Polytech Pacific graduates (350) were urged to use work-ready trades skills across construction, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and IT. Energy Reliability: Energy Fiji Limited rescheduled a planned power outage for maintenance on the 33kV Cunningham–Sawani line, affecting parts of Central and Rewa. Business Recognition: FIJI Water renewed its Supreme Award sponsorship for PMIBA 2026 for a ninth straight year, backing innovation and employment-focused firms. Trade & Diplomacy: New Zealand and Fiji signed a refreshed five-year strategic pact in Auckland, reinforcing regional economic and stability cooperation. Maritime Safety & Policy: Fiji’s Tourism Act 2026 was highlighted as a major upgrade for hotel investors, bringing clearer governance and sustainability standards.

Sugar policy shuffle: Charan Jeath Singh is back as Fiji’s Sugar Minister after PM Sitiveni Rabuka reversed an earlier Cabinet decision, putting him again at the centre of efforts to support cane farmers and shore up the wider sugar industry. Industry leadership: Manoa Kamikamica has returned to Cabinet as Deputy PM and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises after a court cleared him, bringing long experience across finance, aviation, banking and manufacturing. Tourism investment: BSP Life says it will invest in three new hotels over the next six months, with a future luxury property on Nacula Island planned to complete by 2029. Energy for resilience: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva, training staff to keep disaster-response coordination running during power outages. Maritime safety push: After the rescue of six health workers and a boat handler, Vanua o Lau leaders are calling for safer outer-island transport, including dedicated health vessels and stronger support systems. Ports security: Fiji Ports Authority says it is investigating alleged theft of nearly $500,000 worth of imported kava from containers, stressing 24-hour surveillance. Trade & food exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing 15 Fiji and Pacific food and beverage exporters to Fine Food Australia 2026 to meet buyers and expand market access. Maritime cooperation abroad: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific partner nations, boosting joint readiness against maritime crises and illicit activity.

Tourism & Investment: Fiji’s tourism keeps defying the global fuel crisis, with visitor arrivals hitting record highs and bookings staying strong, while Fiji also gets a boost from new hotel projects and BSP Life’s plan to invest in three new hotels plus a future luxury property. Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest will take 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies, including Fiji’s kava, water and hot sauce brands, to Fine Food Australia 2026 to plug premium food and beverage into big buyer networks. Industries & Commerce: Manoa Kamikamica is back in Cabinet as Deputy PM and Minister for Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises after his case was dismissed, as Fiji’s BPO sector continues to expand and employ thousands. Energy & Skills: Fiji Solar Scholars installed a solar PV system at FCOSS in Suva to keep disaster coordination running during outages, and FNU opened its Foundation Northern Hub in Labasa to widen access to higher education. Maritime Safety: After the rescue of six health workers and a boat handler, Vanua o Lau is pushing for dedicated health vessels, stronger maritime safety and better outer-island transport support, while Fiji Ports defends its security after alleged $500,000 kava thefts. Digital Inclusion: Vodafone Fiji and others warn that digital services must be matched with digital literacy to build trust and adoption.

Climate & Energy Policy: Tuvalu’s pre-COP climate summit in Fiji is being reshaped, with Australia pushing for top-level attendance but now considering ministers instead as leaders face travel and scheduling hurdles. Maritime & Safety: Fiji’s Government formally recognised the Lomaiviti Princess 12 crew for rescuing six medical workers after 38 hours adrift, highlighting public-private coordination for rural maritime emergencies. Electricity Access: Nalawa Stage 2 grid extension in Ra commissioned, extending power to villages, a primary school and health centre, with household wiring works to finish by December as Fiji targets universal electricity by 2030. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism remains resilient despite the fuel crisis, with June arrivals hitting a record 98,522; separately, Nadi’s Damodar City $80m mixed-use plan is backed by the Nadi Chamber, expected to create nearly 680 jobs. Digital Skills: Vodafone Fiji and USP-linked voices stress digital literacy as the key barrier to wider uptake of online services, with trust and security concerns still holding people back. Industry & Trade: Reserve Bank data shows Fiji’s trade deficit widened 20.6% to $2.22b in five months to May, driven by higher fuel, machinery and vehicle imports. Sports Pathways: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Brad Mooar says the Skipper Cup is the pathway to the franchise and flags set piece and defence as priorities for 2027. Governance & Regulation: Engineers Fiji warns the Engineers Registration Act 1976 has not been enforced, arguing for proper registration to protect public safety. Human Rights in Fishing: Advocates allege systemic exploitation in Fiji’s fishing industry, including passport confiscation and debt bondage tied to recruitment practices.

Maritime & Health Response: Fiji’s Government formally honoured the Lomaiviti Princess 12 crew for rescuing six missing medical workers after 38 hours adrift, highlighting stronger public-private partnerships for rural sea emergencies. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism remains resilient despite the fuel crisis, with June arrivals hitting a record 98,522 and bookings staying strong; the sector is also projected to need 4,000–5,000 more hotel rooms in five years. Major Investment: Nadi Chamber backs Damodar Group’s $80m Damodar City Nadi, expected to create nearly 680 jobs across retail, hospitality, tech and facility management. Energy Access: Government commissioned Nalawa Stage 2 grid extension, pushing universal electricity access progress toward 2030 with wiring for 267 households. Digital Skills: Experts urge a digital literacy push as Vodafone Fiji and NiuPay flag trust and skills gaps holding back wider use of digital services. Trade Pressure: Reserve Bank data shows Fiji’s trade deficit widened 20.6% to $2.22b, driven by higher fuel, machinery and vehicle imports. Human Rights in Fishing: Advocates warn of forced-labour risks in Fiji’s fishing industry, citing passport confiscation and debt bondage. Sports Pathways: Rewa targets an OFC Champions League title as Drua head coach Brad Mooar keeps close watch on the Skipper Cup for the next generation of players.

Rugby Leadership: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have appointed Brad Mooar as head coach, with the former Crusaders and All Blacks assistant saying his focus is building a strong culture, sharpening set piece and defence, and maximising the squad’s natural talent ahead of the 2027 season. Trade & Industry Pressure: Fiji’s trade deficit widened 20.6% to $2.22b in five months to May as imports rose 17.7% (fuel, machinery, vehicles and manufactured goods), while exports grew 12.3% helped by sugar and gold concentrate—though sugar crushing faced early delays and timber and gold output fell. Fuel Costs: The FCCC announced lower regulated fuel prices from today, with diesel down 47 cents to $2.92/litre on Viti Levu road-adjacent areas, while LPG cylinder prices rise. Human Rights in Fisheries: Human rights advocates allege systemic exploitation in Fiji’s fishing industry, including passport confiscation, debt bondage and fraudulent recruitment, calling for stronger oversight of high-seas labour practices. Circular Economy Push: Return & Earn Fiji opened a new Nakasi collection centre, paying five cents per eligible bottle or can, as Fiji’s recycling network expands. Health & Safety: Fiji’s Ministry of Health is reviewing medical outreach transport after six health workers were stranded for 36 hours at sea in Lau following engine failure. Sugar Farming Strain: Labasa cane farmers are urging government help to replace ageing sugarcane varieties with approved planting material, warning costs could hit future crushing output. Beauty & Wellness Growth: The Verve Lounge Fiji in Suva launched advanced dermal therapies, positioning Fiji’s beauty and skin health sector for more science-backed services.

People First Party Launch: Inia Seruiratu has officially entered the 2026 election race with the new People First Party, pitching “people first” governance reform, economic recovery and national unity after FijiFirst’s deregistration. Human Trafficking in Fishing: Rights advocates warn of systemic exploitation at sea, alleging fishing vessel captains confiscate passports, trap workers in debt bondage and use fraudulent recruitment—highlighting weak oversight on high seas. Drua Culture Push: Incoming Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Brad Mooar says his top KPI for 2027 is building a culture that keeps players and staff committed, with a focus on respect, development and local leadership. Fuel Price Shift: Fiji’s diesel and most fuels drop from today, while LPG rises—changes tied to international refined fuel prices, freight and exchange rates. Health Outreach Safety Review: After six Lau Province health workers survived 36 hours stranded at sea, the Health Ministry says transport and safety measures for medical outreach will be reviewed. Recycling Boost: Return & Earn Fiji opens a new Nakasi collection centre at Nakasi Market, expanding cash-for-containers recycling across greater Nausori. Skin Health Investment: Suva’s Verve Lounge launches advanced dermal therapies, including vegan exosomes and PDRN salmon DNA treatment, aiming to bring science-backed skin health to Fiji. Climate Readiness Funding: GEF grants back early warning and climate-resilient planning for Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and FSM, targeting floods, sea-level rise and cyclones before disasters hit. Sugar Industry Pressure: Labasa cane farmers demand government help to replace ageing sugarcane varieties, warning costly replanting could hit future crushing output. Digital Telco Support: PTC announces exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding regional opportunities for women and youth in STEM and digital infrastructure.

Maritime mystery: The MV Joyita vanished in 1955 off Samoa with 25 people aboard, later found afloat—fueling fresh interest in South Pacific shipping safety and search lessons. Fuel & household costs: Fiji’s fuel prices drop from today (diesel down to $2.92/l in Viti Levu road-adjacent areas; unleaded to $3.06/l), but LPG cylinders rise (4.5kg to $17.60; 12kg to $46.92), with the regulator citing global market volatility. Disaster readiness for business: Pacific nations, including Fiji, secure GEF grants (NZ$24.2m total) to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure before floods, cyclones and coastal erosion hit. Health outreach scrutiny: Six Lau Province health workers survived 36 hours adrift after engine failure and capsizing, prompting a review of medical outreach transport safety. Jobs & investment in Nadi: Damodar City Nadi, an $80m mixed-use precinct, is set to create 680+ permanent jobs across retail, hospitality, tech, logistics and construction. Rugby pathway: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua appoints Brad Mooar with a people-first culture and a push to develop local coaches and talent. Human trafficking risks: Fiji investigated about 270 potential trafficking/forced labour cases over five years, warning online job scams are making exploitation harder to spot. Climate finance & MSMEs: Fiji launches climate insurance cover for MSMEs, aiming to help smaller businesses manage climate shocks. Industry & skills: Pacific Polytech targets 2,000 trades graduates by December, while Telecom Fiji plans a Pacific Fibre Conference in Nadi.

Fuel & LPG Watch: Fijians get a break at the pump from today as regulated diesel and other fuels drop, while LPG cylinder prices rise—diesel down 47c to $2.92/l on Viti Levu, but 4.5kg LPG up 43c to $17.60. Health & Safety Oversight: Six Lau health workers survive 36 hours stranded at sea after a medical outreach boat capsized; the Assistant Minister for Health calls it an “eye-opener” and says safety measures for frontline outreach will be reviewed. Climate Resilience Funding: Fiji and three other Pacific island nations secure GEF grants (including NZ$24.2m for Fiji) to strengthen early warning systems and climate-ready infrastructure before disasters hit. Tourism & Business Pulse: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List keeps island travel booming, while Fiji’s Western Division gets a major boost with Damodar City Nadi—an $80m mixed-use development expected to create 680+ jobs across retail, hospitality, tech, logistics and construction. Digital Jobs & Scams: Authorities warn trafficking and forced labour risks are shifting online as digital recruitment scams grow, with Fiji investigating about 270 potential cases over five years. Rugby Pathway: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua appoint Brad Mooar as head coach, stressing a people-first culture and building local coaching and leadership pathways.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Fiji’s Competition and Consumer Commission says fuel prices drop from Aug 1 (diesel down 47–50 cents/litre; motor spirit down 37–39 cents; kerosene down 37–40 cents), but LPG cylinders rise (4.5kg up 43–55 cents; 12kg up $1.12–$1.46), with changes linked to global refined fuel prices, freight and exchange rates. Maritime & Health Response: Six Lau health workers survived 36 hours adrift after a boat capsized; they were found by the Lomaiviti Princess 12 crew and are now in stable condition. Climate Resilience Funding: GEF approved NZ$24.2m for Fiji, FSM, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient planning before construction, targeting floods, sea-level rise, cyclones and coastal erosion. Jobs & Tourism Push: Damodar Group unveiled $80m Damodar City Nadi, a mixed-use precinct expected to create 680+ permanent jobs across retail, hospitality, tech, logistics and construction. Digital Scams & Labour Abuse: Fiji is investigating about 270 potential trafficking/forced labour cases over five years as online job scams grow, with fishing, construction and agriculture flagged as high-risk sectors. STEM & Connectivity: PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, expanding regional support for women and youth in digital infrastructure and emerging tech.