AGP Executive Report

Energy Security: Energy Fiji Limited warns low Monasavu Dam levels plus volatile global fuel markets could strain Fiji’s power supply as dry conditions drag on. Regulatory Scrutiny: A Fiji parliamentary committee says EFL lacks transparency and has left large renewable and capital budgets unspent, urging tougher FCCC oversight of tariff increases. Sugar Industry Pressure: Fiji Sugar Corporation postpones the crushing season after weak harvesting gang and cane supply sign-ups; Minister Tomasi Tunabuna blames misinformation and political influence, while farmers’ groups question the practicality of a $5m fuel subsidy. Worker Relations: Fiji Pine Group and the National Union of Workers sign a new master agreement, praised as a benchmark for worker welfare and stable industrial relations. Cyber Safety: INTERPOL flags rising cybercrime across Fiji and the Pacific, including scams, ransomware and AI deepfakes, calling for stronger regional resilience. Deep-Sea Mining: FCOSS urges Fiji to close legal gaps by backing a legally binding moratorium, warning seabed exploration could threaten coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Social Policy: Fiji’s taskforce moves toward legislation to raise the minimum age for social media use to 16, stressing a whole-of-society approach. Governance & Resources: Banaban leaders face renewed controversy over proposed pinnacle extraction, with critics calling it a “quick fix” tied to trust fund mismanagement. Aviation & Skills: Fiji Airports promotes Renee Duguivalu as Senior Projects Manager—first woman in the role—highlighting progress for women in engineering. International Trade & Security: Customs operations spotlight how criminal networks exploit global trade routes to move drugs, people, wildlife and money.

Energy & Utilities Oversight: Fiji’s parliamentary committee has criticised Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) for weak transparency and big underspends, with deputy chair Premila Kumar citing unspent capital budgets rising to $151.85m last year and questioning how tariff increases are justified. Consumer Watch: The Consumer Council of Fiji also challenged EFL’s push for higher electricity tariffs, pointing to a $24.8m loss in 2023 versus $7.17m profit in 2024 and warning consumers shouldn’t fund costs without clear alternatives exhausted. Sugar Industry Pressure: Fiji Sugar Corporation’s crushing season has been postponed after it failed to secure enough harvesting gangs and cane supply; Minister Tomasi Tunabuna blamed misinformation and political influence, while the National Farmers Union warned the $5m fuel subsidy could raise costs for remote growers. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Gaps: FCOSS is urging a legally binding moratorium on deep-sea mining, saying Fiji’s Mining Act still allows seabed exploration and that amendments are needed to protect communities and marine ecosystems. Worker Welfare Deal: The Fiji Pine Group and NUW have signed a new master agreement, hailed as a benchmark for worker welfare and industrial relations, with salary increases included. Power Risk: EFL says low Monasavu Dam levels and a prolonged dry season could threaten electricity supply, as it monitors hydro resources amid volatile fuel markets. Aviation & Skills: Fiji Airports promoted Renee Duguivalu to Senior Projects Manager—its first female in the role—while Pacific Polytech graduated 108 students from micro-qualification programmes. Trade & Investment: Fiji and New Zealand business leaders discussed deeper ties and value-added exports as Fiji rolls out trade reforms like a National Single Window.

Sugar Sector Push: Fiji Sugar Corporation and growers are racing to start cane harvesting, with a $5m fuel subsidy tied to low Master Award Growers Agreement sign-ups (only 9% registered) and warnings of potential sugar shortages if harvesting doesn’t begin soon. Grant Rules for Productivity: FSC is also urging stricter eligibility for cane farming grants, arguing most growers are “non-productive” and that tighter criteria could lift output and meet the 2m tonnes cane target by 2028. Trade & Exports: Fiji’s fresh and frozen agricultural exports (excluding sugar) hit a record $187.2m in 2025, led by kava, with the US as the top destination. Tourism Leadership: Josephine Moffat was elected the first female President of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, signalling a push for inclusive, sustainable growth. Online Safety: Fiji’s Social Media Age Deferment Taskforce is progressing plans to introduce a minimum social media access age of 16, with a whole-of-society approach involving government, parents, educators and industry. Maritime Security: Foreign Minister Sakiasi Ditoka warned Fiji’s drug fight is a complex job due to transnational cartels exploiting major ocean routes. Climate Readiness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway.

Sugar & Farming Policy: Fiji Sugar Corporation is pushing for tougher cane-grant eligibility, saying only about 3,600–4,200 of 10,250 growers are “productive,” and it wants stricter criteria to lift output. Cane Sector Costs: Government has also announced a $5m diesel fuel subsidy for cane harvesting and cartage to help farmers meet rising fuel costs. Electricity Tariffs: The Consumer Council has questioned Energy Fiji Limited’s push for higher power tariffs despite returning to profit, challenging EFL on cost control and emergency diesel spending. Trade & Investment: Fiji’s foreign minister urged New Zealand businesses to deepen ties and invest in value-added exports as Fiji rolls out trade reforms like a National Single Window. Energy Security: Fiji may start importing Russian oil and petroleum products as Pacific fuel shortages bite. Health Infrastructure: India’s 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Nasinu is in advanced tendering, with construction expected once procurement is finalised. Tourism Leadership: Josephine Moffat was elected Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association president, the first woman to lead the 61-year body. Ocean & Climate: Fiji and Panama launched a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” while SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts. Maritime Security & Drugs: Fiji’s foreign minister warned that drug trafficking networks exploit Fiji’s vast ocean space, calling for unity and stronger national responsibility.

Sugar & Agriculture Budget Push: Rakiraki businessman George Shiu Raj urged Government to secure stable markets for crops like cassava and dalo, and to keep sugar support fair as cane farmers face rising costs, calling for a $110/tonne cane price. Cane Sector Relief: Government announced a $5m diesel fuel subsidy for cane harvesting and cartage (at $2.00/litre) from June 20 to Aug 31, targeting lorries, mechanical harvesters, locomotives and tractors. Sugar Funding Debate: PM Rabuka signalled a rethink on continued sugar industry funding, saying taxpayers’ money must deliver returns and that land may need more productive use. Agricultural Exports: Fiji’s fresh and frozen ag exports (excluding sugar) hit a record $187.2m in 2025, up 17.1%, led by kava and with the US as top destination. Coastal Resilience: Nature-based seawall construction is underway in Saolo, Bua, as Fiji scales climate-proof coastal protection. Tourism Leadership: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association elected its first female president, Josephine Moffat, highlighting sustainable tourism and stronger partnerships. Security & Community Tech: Nadi Bula Festival funds may go to installing three CCTV cameras to boost town safety. Youth & Farming: Dra ni Soqe Youth Club in Dratabu Village is training in agriculture and planting 500 native trees to steer young people away from drugs and crime. Health Infrastructure: India’s 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Nasinu is in advanced tendering, with construction expected after procurement. Ocean Conservation: Fiji and Panama launched a global Mesopelagic “Twilight Zone” Conservation Challenge to protect the deep ocean layer from threats like fishing and deep-sea mining.

Defence & Trust: RFMF Navy chief Commodore Timoci Natuva says Fiji must “do the work” to rebuild public trust amid corruption allegations, stressing professionalism and accountability. Agribusiness Exports: Fiji’s fresh and frozen agricultural exports (excluding sugar) hit a record $187.2m in 2025, up 17.1%, led by kava and supported by stronger processing and farmer output. Sugar Sector Relief: Government announced a $5m diesel subsidy for cane harvesting and cartage (at $2/litre) to help growers through rising fuel costs, while FSC warns the 2m-tonne cane target by 2028 needs major grants and ratoon rehabilitation. Healthcare Infrastructure: India’s 100-bed super-specialty hospital tendering in Nasinu is in advanced stages, with construction expected after procurement; separate donated dialysis units are due in 3–4 months. Tourism Leadership: Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association elects its first female president, Josephine Moffat, signalling a push for sustainable tourism and stronger community benefits. Ocean & Fisheries: Fiji and Panama back a new global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” while Suvavou customary marine resource owners seek stronger recognition under a proposed marine areas bill. Energy & Cost of Living: Transport and finance officials say fuel price relief may come later as global easing filters through Fiji’s pricing system; UNDP also flags imported fuel dependence as a long-term risk. Industry & Skills: Koronivia research director Shalendra Prasad calls for more investment to expand agricultural research and boost productivity. Sports & Events: Fiji Surf Pro at Cloudbreak is praised for setting a new benchmark in operations, safety and broadcast quality.

Sugar Sector Relief: Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture has approved a $5m diesel fuel subsidy for cane harvesting and cartage, targeting lorries, mechanical harvesters, locomotives and tractors at $2.00 per litre from 20 June to 31 August 2026. Fuel & Cost Pressures: Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says any global oil easing may take months to reflect locally, while Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel points to budget support to keep jobs and key sectors moving. Agriculture Research Push: Koronivia’s Shalendra Prasad calls for more investment in farming research to boost productivity and resilience. Ocean Economy & Rights: Fiji and Panama are backing a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (mesopelagic layer), while Suvavou representatives urge stronger recognition of customary marine resource rights under a proposed marine areas bill. Tourism Tech: SPTO launches an upgraded multilingual consumer website to boost Pacific tourism discovery. Climate Talks: Bonn negotiations end in gridlock over adaptation and emissions-cutting, with Fiji among those criticising attacks on science and stalled finance.

Ocean Conservation: Fiji and Panama are backing a new Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m deep) from threats like fishing and deep-sea mining, while pushing countries to study and safeguard the ecosystem. Sugar Industry Support: Government has announced a $5m fuel subsidy for cane harvesting and cartage, cutting diesel costs to $2/litre for eligible lorries, harvesters, locomotives and tractors from June 20 to Aug 31. Fuel Prices Watch: FCCC says consumers shouldn’t expect an instant drop after the USA-Iran deal; Fiji’s fuel pricing follows a lag, so relief may take 1–2 months to show up locally. Agriculture Research Push: Koronivia’s Shalendra Prasad is calling for more investment in agricultural research to boost productivity and protect the economy from future shocks. Customary Marine Rights: Suvavou customary owners are urging stronger recognition of qoliqoli rights under a proposed Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill, saying port and shipping income isn’t reaching traditional resource owners. Renewables & Energy Security: Fiji’s heavy fuel import bill ($711m in 2024) is renewing calls for faster renewable energy transition as subsidy support ends in July. Tourism Digital Upgrade: SPTO has launched an upgraded multilingual consumer website to boost Pacific destination discovery worldwide. Climate Talks Update: Bonn climate negotiations ended in gridlock over adaptation and emissions-cutting, with finance and science disputes still blocking progress. Women in Regenerative Food: A new Idea2Market pilot will coach Fiji and Samoa women entrepreneurs to turn local food traditions into premium products for hospitality and retail.

UN Climate Gridlock: Bonn talks end in “gridlock” as countries clash over adaptation funding and emissions-cutting, with UN climate chief Simon Stiell warning of “you-first-ism” and “cherry-picking” commitments. Fiji Sugar Support: A Labasa grower says Budget help is needed to keep farmers in the sugar industry, warning more will leave without reliable finance and daily income. Renewables Push as Fuel Costs Bite: Fiji’s fuel import bill hit $711m in 2024, and economists urge faster renewable energy transition before subsidy support ends, as diesel and petrol costs remain high. Fuel Price Relief Timing: Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says global oil easing may lower prices later, but Fiji’s pricing mechanism means any relief won’t be immediate. Energy Security Dialogue: UNDP and partners discuss accelerating renewables across the Pacific amid limited fiscal space and rising oil-shock risks. Digital & Cyber Skills: Pacific leaders at Suva’s peace and security dialogue warn AI and social media bring both opportunity and threats like misinformation and online harm. Tourism Tech: SPTO launches an upgraded multilingual consumer website to boost digital discovery of South Pacific destinations. Women’s Regenerative Food: A new Idea2Market initiative backs Fiji and Samoa women entrepreneurs to turn local food traditions into premium products for hospitality and retail. Disaster Readiness: Fiji’s water planning stresses El Niño preparedness with funds and monitoring, while the Pacific Response Group strengthens regional disaster response capacity. Commonwealth Boxing: Fiji’s amateur boxers named for Glasgow aim to build a legacy, with full-time training underway despite limited quality opposition. Health Lab Partnerships: Fiji’s medical laboratory seminar opens with an industry expo and a focus on strengthening Pacific lab networks.

Sugar & farm livelihoods: A Labasa grower warns farmers may quit sugar unless the 2026-2027 Budget boosts support, including easier access to finance and closer coordination between the Sugar Industry and Agriculture ministries. Energy security: Fiji’s fuel bill hit $711m in 2024, pushing calls for a faster renewable transition before subsidies end, as diesel and petrol costs remain high. Fuel price relief timing: Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says any global easing won’t show up immediately in Fiji due to supply-chain lag, though contingency planning continues. Budget priorities: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the national Budget will focus on jobs, vulnerable groups, and continued backing for key sectors like sugar. Women & regenerative food: A new Idea2Market regenerative bioeconomy pilot will coach Fiji and Samoa women entrepreneurs to turn local biodiversity into premium products for hospitality and retail. Tourism digital push: SPTO launched an upgraded multilingual consumer website to help travellers discover Pacific destinations. Maritime & ocean economy: Fiji and Panama backed a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” highlighting threats from fishing and deep-sea mining. Climate talks: Bonn negotiations ended in gridlock on adaptation and emissions-cutting, with UN climate chief warning of “you-first” standoffs. Disaster readiness: Tuvalu police highlighted the Pacific Response Group’s value after joining regional disaster-relief training.

Climate Diplomacy: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned COP31 prep talks are being undermined by “geopolitical tensions,” with countries urged not to reopen or backslide on Paris Agreement obligations. Science at Bonn: Fiji’s delegation head Sivendra Michael joined other nations accusing “fossil fuel interests” of trying to weaken climate science language in negotiations. Water Security: Fiji says it has already allocated funds and mitigation for potential El Niño water shortages, with weekly monitoring and upgrades to reservoirs and treatment plants. Fuel Costs: Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says lower global oil prices won’t hit Fiji pumps immediately due to purchase-to-arrival lag, while Government works to secure supply. Agriculture Research & Budget: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel flagged possible cuts to Agriculture funding in 2026-27, even as he pushed Koronivia research to drive import substitution and resilience. Maritime & Ocean Economy: Fiji and Panama launched a “twilight zone” mesopelagic conservation push to protect the ocean’s food web and carbon role. Skills & Industry: FIJI Water and Neptune Pacific sign an MoU with FNU to set up a $14m career centre targeting skills gaps in manufacturing and maritime. Regional Security: Pacific Partnership returns to boost disaster response readiness across seven Pacific nations.

Fuel Relief Delayed: Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says lower global oil prices won’t hit Fiji’s pumps immediately due to a purchase-to-arrival lag, urging patience as government works to secure supply. Agriculture Funding Pressure: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel warns the Agriculture Ministry may face cuts in 2026-27, even as he challenges the sector to lift its GDP contribution from about 7–8% toward 16–18%, with Koronivia Research Station highlighted as key to resilience. Food Security Focus: Koronivia’s research open day puts science and farm innovation front and centre as farmers face climate change, pests and shifting demand. Sugar Industry Strain: Sugarcane farmers complain about low cane prices, rising costs and limited support from Government and FSC, with land lease uncertainty adding to the pressure. Skills for Industry: A $14m career centre backed by FIJI Water, Neptune Pacific and FNU aims to close manufacturing and maritime skills gaps, starting with foundation training for 300+ employees. Maritime Tech & Security: Fiji, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are expanding drone and unmanned systems to boost maritime surveillance and emergency response across large ocean areas. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji and Panama lead a global initiative to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” targeting threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Regional Readiness Exercise: Pacific Response Group partners strengthen disaster response coordination during Exercise MARARA 26. Local Sports Spotlight: Drua Women coach Mike Legge credits Lautoka fans and expects strong turnout in Ba as the team hosts the Brumbies.

Climate Policy Fight: Fiji’s delegation says fossil-fuel interests are mounting “coordinated attacks” on climate science at UN talks in Bonn, pushing to weaken references to IPCC and the 1.5°C limit. Pacific Disaster Readiness: The US Navy’s Pacific Partnership 2026 will run for five months across seven stops, with expanded disaster preparedness and engineering/medical training, including ongoing activities in Fiji. Fuel Crisis Pressure: China signals it can support Fiji on energy as fuel prices bite, while Fiji’s social services warn families are running out of room for more shocks and want a faster renewable transition. Local Infrastructure: Government breaks ground on a $1.17m evacuation centre in Sabeto, aiming for 24-week delivery and stronger resilience. Fiji Industry & Jobs: AHICE Fiji investment conference wraps in Nadi with 420+ delegates and deal-making across hotel and tourism segments. Sugar Sector Tension: North farmers reject boycott claims over delayed crushing, blaming fuel costs and unresolved harvesting payments. Construction Security: Three heavy machines worth about $750,000 were allegedly set on fire in Naveria, sparking a police and NFA investigation. Tourism & Investment: Al Hamd Smart Living starts an $8m Nadi development for its head office, warehouse and showroom. Agribusiness Innovation: Farm to Table showcases guava value-adding and waste-to-manure at the Fiji Agri–Innovate Competition. Shipping/Maritime Cooperation: Pacific countries formalise a clean shipping pact, aiming to cut emissions and improve maritime standards. El Niño Watch: Fiji issues an El Niño watch for June–August, warning of below-normal rainfall risk while stressing local variation.

Fuel & Cost-of-Living Pressure: Pacific leaders say Fiji’s fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, with rising prices feeding inflation and squeezing transport, business and jobs. Social Protection: FCOSS warns families are at breaking point as households have already absorbed shocks from COVID-19 to cyclones, urging faster renewable energy and stronger support for vulnerable consumers. Sugar Industry Tensions: North farmers reject claims they’re boycotting crushing, blaming unresolved fuel rebates and harvesting payments as Fiji Sugar Corporation defers mill openings over harvesting gang shortages. Agribusiness Innovation: Farm to Table is scaling guava value-adds at the Fiji Agri–Innovate Competition, turning waste into manure and pushing trials for guava jam and wine. Investment & Tourism Deals: AHICE Fiji wrapped in Nadi with 420+ delegates and deal-making across hotel segments, while Al Hamd Smart Living starts an $8m Nadi development to expand warehousing and retail. Resilient Infrastructure: Sabeto’s Nagado village gets a $1.17m evacuation centre under the Infrastructure Natural Resource Owners Grant Programme. Governance Scrutiny: FICAC probes a Chinese businessman’s departure despite a stop order tied to a reported $20m tax case. Climate Watch: Fiji issues El Niño watch for June–August, warning of higher drought risk and below-normal rainfall. Blue Economy & Oceans: Global ocean leaders at Our Ocean Conference renewed calls for stronger fisheries management and blue economy investment.

Climate & Agriculture: Fiji is on an El Niño watch, with the Fiji Meteorological Service warning June–August could bring below-normal rainfall and possible drought risk—though impacts may vary by area, and past events like 1997 show how agriculture and sugarcane can be hit. Construction & Retail: Al Hamd Smart Living has started work on an $8m Nadi development that will serve as its head office, central warehouse and flagship showroom, signalling confidence in local business growth. Regional Security: Pacific leaders opened the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, pushing for stronger Pacific-led cooperation to tackle climate risks, transnational crime and geopolitical pressures. Sports & Talent: Fiji has named a 58-athlete squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, competing in eight sports including athletics, swimming and weightlifting. Business & Media: Love Island USA executive producer James Barker, 40, died in Fiji during Season 8 filming after an unexpected medical emergency; the show plans to honour him in an upcoming episode.

Sugar Sector Finance: Sugarcane farmers’ complaints are being met with blunt numbers from Minister Tomasi Tunabuna, who says government is effectively paying over $1,100 per tonne of cane but selling processed sugar for under $774—“no logic” and a cost to taxpayers, with inefficiencies at the Labasa mill (more burnt cane, lower quality) also flagged. Maritime Transition: Fiji joined seven Pacific transport ministers to sign the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a cleaner, more equitable shift to low-carbon shipping via low-carbon fleets, resilient ports and skills. Tourism & Hotels: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective signed a major deal to bring three new hotels to Denarau and Nadi, including Sofitel Fiji Vatu Talei (early 2027), boosting confidence in Fiji’s hospitality pipeline. Business Links: A 37-strong New Zealand business mission is in Fiji (June 15–18) to deepen trade and investment, targeting tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, health and logistics. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Fiji named a 58-athlete squad for Glasgow, competing in eight sports led by chef de mission Ajay Ballu. Rugby (Drua Call-Ups): Fijian Drua midfielders Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Virimi Vakatawa earned Barbarians selections ahead of matches vs South Africa and Wales. Entertainment (Fiji Filming): Love Island USA executive producer James Barker died in Fiji after an unexpected medical emergency; networks say he’ll be honoured in an upcoming episode.