AGP Executive Report

Pacific Infrastructure Race: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says the US is in advanced talks to finance a key port at Bina Harbour, reviving competition with China over Pacific influence. Fiji Roads & Grants: A Lowy Institute report says China’s US$135m Vanua Levu Bridges and Roads grant is Fiji’s biggest single Chinese grant, with construction expected to start in 2026. Natadola Environment Clarification: Fiji’s Environment Ministry says a Natadola cable landing component was refused due to community concerns and consultation gaps, even though other parts were approved. Digital Debate in Natadola: Government defends the Google ICT Facility, saying consultations and approvals followed legal processes, as public scrutiny continues. Learning Tech Boost: DP World and LiteHaus International donate 450 laptops to Fiji schools to expand digital learning access. Sugar Supply Reality Check: Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says Fiji imports processed white sugar for manufacturers while raw sugar is imported only when local supply falls. Water Security Planning: Government launches a 10-year National Water Resources Management and Sanitation policy to strengthen monitoring, licensing and sustainable use. AI for Work: Women in Tech Fiji runs a hands-on AI workshop for women professionals to improve productivity and workplace efficiency. Consumer Protection: Consumer Council warns of 35 complaints tied to online sellers on social media platforms, urging shoppers to verify sellers and refund terms. Maritime Services Review: Fiji reviews shipping needs as government vessels age and demand grows, including plans for new multipurpose capacity. Law Reform: FNU’s Ana Rokomokoti appointed Law Reform Commissioner to review Fiji’s Security Industry Act 2010. Agriculture Market Push: Fiji ramps up efforts to cut the $1.19b agriculture import bill by improving market access through new collection and storage facilities. Security on Farms: Police urge farmers to help curb kava thefts, saying enforcement alone can’t stop the losses. Kadavu Youth Exodus: Kadavu chiefs warn young people are leaving for jobs and overseas opportunities, pushing the province to expand agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism. AIIB Support: AIIB approves US$80m sovereign-backed financing for Fiji’s economic resilience and climate/disaster preparedness reforms.

Consumer Protection: Fiji’s Consumer Council is warning shoppers after 35 complaints tied to social media sellers (Trend Fiji, Entertainment Hub/Playhub, Pacific Closet and Pacifika Playhub), with customers alleging upfront payments but no delivery and ignored refund requests. Food & Retail Safety: The Council also flags ongoing food and beverage complaints this year, including expired/contaminated products, misleading labels and pricing issues. Ports & Agriculture Security: Police say they can’t stop rising kava thefts alone and want farmers to take more security responsibility as investigations continue into alleged $500,000 kava thefts from Suva port containers. Rural Jobs & Youth: Kadavu leaders warn youth are leaving for better education, work and overseas opportunities, pushing the province to expand agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism jobs. Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji hit a record 98,522 visitor arrivals in June, driven by Australia, as new resorts and routes lift demand. Energy & Industry: AIIB approved US$80m for Fiji’s economic resilience and climate/disaster preparedness, while Energy Fiji and Neoteric move a solar-plus-battery project toward a power purchase agreement. Infrastructure: Designs for 11 critical bridges are done, with contracts for four major bridges expected to be signed soon. Online Fraud & Scams: Consumer protection laws are set for review as digital shopping grows and scam risks evolve.

Referendum Readiness: Fiji’s Electoral Commission chair Justice Usaia Ratuvili says the team is preparing for a possible referendum but is waiting on the Referendum Act to set the rules and timelines, with voter registration the key priority while constitutional changes move through parliament. Consumer Protection & Scams: The Consumer Council of Fiji warns shoppers after 35 complaints tied to four social-media trading platforms, where buyers paid upfront but goods allegedly never arrived and refund requests were ignored; it also flags broader food safety and pricing concerns, with 234 food and beverage complaints this year. Tourism & Aviation: Fiji hit a record 98,522 visitor arrivals in June, and Fiji Airways appointed Tourism Fiji CEO Dr Paresh Pant to its board as the tourism push continues. Ports & Security: Police are investigating alleged theft of nearly $500,000 worth of imported kava from Suva port containers across three incidents, raising questions about port security. Energy & Infrastructure: AIIB approved a US$80m loan-and-grant package for Fiji’s resilience and private-sector reforms, while Energy Fiji and Neoteric backed a solar-plus-battery project for Ba and Public Works advanced bridge contracts and a $1.6m Viria evacuation centre. Sugar & Farming: Farmers in Vanua Levu say the feared cane harvest boycott didn’t happen (82% signed), and Labasa cane growers renewed calls to run the mill on Sundays. Rugby Leadership: Brad Mooar was appointed head coach of the Fijian Drua Men for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Infrastructure & Transport: Fiji’s Public Works Minister Ro Filipe says designs for 11 critical bridges are done, with contracts for four major bridges at Lami, Medrekutu, Sabeto and Lomaloma expected to be signed within two months, while six more are set to move to tender after finalisation by end of August. Digital Connectivity: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference 2026 in Fiji on July 30–31, aiming to boost Pacific digital infrastructure and prepare for an AI-powered future. Consumer & Scam Protection: The Consumer Council says consumer protection laws need updating for online shopping and new scam risks, while National Scams Awareness Week pushes practical guidance across Lautoka and Labasa. Sugar Industry Stability: With 82% of northern cane farmers signing harvesting agreements, FSC says it’s on track for its export quota, using imported sugar as a contingency while supermarkets calm down. Climate & Finance: Fiji is set to receive US$80m sovereign-backed AIIB financing (with World Bank co-financing) to strengthen resilience, climate/disaster preparedness and reforms for private-sector growth. Disaster Resilience: A $1.6m evacuation centre is underway for Viria Village in Naitasiri, linked to water security infrastructure contributions. Labour & Skills: Trade unions from across the Pacific joined labour law training in Solomon Islands, covering dispute resolution, bargaining and arbitration. Business & Funding: Fiji Investment Corporation and Australia’s Market Development Facility partner to help MSMEs access loans and advisory support. Rugby & Talent: Brad Mooar appointed head coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Telecom & Connectivity: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference 2026 on July 30–31, bringing together policymakers and industry to push digital infrastructure and partnerships across the Pacific. Trade & Investment: Fiji and New Zealand have renewed the five-year Duavata Partnership (2026–2030), targeting stronger trade, investment, governance, security, social wellbeing and climate resilience. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council says Fiji’s scam and consumer protection laws need updating as online shopping grows, with reviews underway for scam legislation and the Consumer Credit Act. Sugar Industry Watch: In Vanua Levu, 82% of northern cane farmers have signed harvesting agreements despite boycott fears, while FSC says it’s on track to meet its sugar export quota and has secured imports as backup for supermarkets. Finance for MSMEs: Fiji Investment Corporation and Australia’s Market Development Facility are partnering to help MSMEs access loans and investment, with advice support to expand production and jobs. Disaster Resilience & Water Security: Ground has broken on a $1.6m evacuation centre for Viria Village in Naitasiri, linked to the community’s role in Fiji’s raw water intake project. Scam Prevention Push: The Consumer Council launched National Scams Awareness Week 2026, rolling out community sessions in Lautoka and Labasa. Climate Funding: AIIB has approved US$80m sovereign-backed financing for Fiji’s economic resilience and climate/disaster preparedness reforms. Fiji Rugby & Talent: Brad Mooar has been appointed head coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Men for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. Agriculture & Health: Agriculture officials say livestock diseases could be linked to human infections, but more testing is needed before confirming any connection. Local Business & Exports: Six Fijian food and beverage exporters are showcasing products at Auckland Food Show to open new market links in New Zealand.

AIIB Financing: Fiji is set to receive US$80m (FJ$179m) from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank under a sovereign-backed package, co-financed with the World Bank, to strengthen economic resilience, climate and disaster preparedness, and reforms to help private-sector growth. Scam Prevention: The Consumer Council of Fiji has launched National Scams Awareness Week 2026, rolling out nationwide sessions in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa to help people spot digital fraud and report scams. Cost of Living Pressure: The Consumer Council says families are feeling rising prices and global shocks, with ongoing complaints and calls for stronger consumer protection and more targeted food support. Creative Industries: Minister Sashi Kiran backed Fiji’s creative sector, urging support for local designers and artisans after a fashion show spotlighted homegrown talent. Music & Media: Communications Fiji Limited’s 41st-anniversary Gratitude Concert drew families to Albert Park, while a new Love Island documentary highlights the mental health toll behind reality TV fame. Sugar & Rural Resilience: PM Rabuka launched the Be-GREEN programme in Cakaudrove, linking local food production and climate resilience to fuel and sugar supply shocks. Disaster Readiness: A $1.6m evacuation centre is set for Viria Village to boost community emergency support and disaster resilience.

Climate Finance Boost: AIIB approved US$80m (FJ$179m) sovereign-backed support for Fiji’s energy, food security and economic resilience, with World Bank co-financing to speed reforms and expand disaster risk reduction by 2028. Rural Resilience & Food Security: PM Rabuka launched the IFAD-funded Be-GREEN programme in Cakaudrove, pushing stronger local production and climate-smart agriculture (cocoa, rice, copra) while tackling vulnerabilities exposed by fuel and sugar shocks. Sugar Sector Reform: Rabuka said privatisation of FSC remains an option, but reforms come first; FSC is described as insolvent and consultations with farmers will feed a special committee’s recommendations. Consumer Pressure: Fiji’s Consumer Council warned families are squeezed by rising living costs and prices, urging targeted food subsidies and stronger consumer protection. Security Sector Overhaul: Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua announced a review of the Security Industry Act to modernise licensing, enforcement and crack down on illegal operators. Northern Business Expansion: FMF is opening a new Wailevu warehouse and electric vehicle showroom in Labasa to reduce out-of-stock issues and bring EV test drives closer to Vanua Levu. Education Infrastructure: RFMF Engineers completed a multipurpose hall for Draiba Primary School in four months, built around after-school work to keep classes running. Waste & Recycling: Return and Earn Fiji says 7.5m beverage containers have been collected since launch, keeping 7m+ bottles and cans out of landfills. Agriculture as a Business: A former LDS missionary urged young Fijians to treat agriculture as an export-ready business, citing demand for products like turmeric, ginger and dalo. SME Spotlight: House of Salt won National SME of the Year, with other category wins including Best Maritime SME for Delaivuna Farm Fresh Eggs.

Cost of Living Pressure: Fiji’s Consumer Council says rising prices and global tensions are squeezing household budgets, with continued complaints and calls for stronger, more targeted food support. Sugar & Fuel Resilience: PM Sitiveni Rabuka links fuel shocks and sugar shortages to Fiji’s vulnerability, pushing local production and BE-GREEN rural support; Rabuka also says privatising FSC is still on the table, but reforms come first. Rural Development & Disaster Readiness: A $1.6m evacuation centre is set for Viria Village, tied to water-security works for Greater Suva, as Government expands disaster resilience in resource-owner communities. Agribusiness & Exports: Fiji food and beverage exporters are showcasing in Auckland to open new NZ market links, while farmers warn illegal dumping is polluting waterways and threatening sugarcane production. Waste & Circular Economy: Return and Earn Fiji reports 7.5m beverage containers diverted from landfills in six months, and Taveuni residents demand action against illegal dumping. Business & Digital Leadership: Telecom Fiji renews Platinum support for TOPEX 2026, backing business leadership and digital transformation. Health Partnerships: IHG Fiji Hotels & Resorts (FNPF-owned) donates $11,000 to Diabetes Fiji after hotel coffee-sales fundraising. Climate Cooperation: Pacific Climate Ministers meet in Sydney to advance a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP and COP31.

SME & Agri-Business Wins: House of Salt was crowned 2025 National SME of the Year, while Krisneel Deo of Delaivuna Farm Fresh Eggs took Best Maritime SME at the Fiji Development Bank National SME Awards in Suva. Rural Resilience & Food Security: PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched the US$25m IFAD-funded BE-GREEN programme in Cakaudrove, pushing stronger local production and climate-resilient farming (cocoa, rice, copra and more). Disaster Preparedness: A $1.6m evacuation centre is set for Viria Village, part of a wider disaster resilience push for resource-owner communities. Household Pressure: The Consumer Council says rising living costs are squeezing families, with calls for more targeted food subsidies and continued consumer protection. Sugar Industry Reform Debate: Rabuka says privatisation of FSC remains an option, but reforms and treating FSC as a strategic asset come first; sugar sector overhaul and workforce issues remain in focus. Waste & Recycling Momentum: Return and Earn Fiji reports 7.5m beverage containers collected in six months, while Taveuni residents demand action on illegal dumping threatening farms and tourism. Health Access Upgrade: Fiji’s remote communities will get 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to protect the cold chain and improve immunisation reach. Business Support & Partnerships: Telecom Fiji renewed Platinum sponsorship for TOPEX 2026, backing business leadership and digital transformation.

Pacific Security & Defence: Australia’s diplomatic push across the Pacific links to growing concern over China’s regional military moves, as Fiji and Australia’s Ocean of Peace Alliance and Vuvale Union security pact add a mutual defence obligation. Telecom & Business Leadership: Telecom Fiji renews TOPEX 2026 platinum sponsorship, backing business leadership, innovation and digital transformation. Sugar Industry Reform: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says privatising FSC remains on the table, but reforms and treating it as a strategic national asset come first, as the sugar sector faces debt, mill upgrade needs and labour pressures. Sugar Costs Relief: FCCC cuts regulated mechanical harvesting and cane cartage rates after lower diesel prices, easing costs for growers. Climate Policy Push: Pacific climate ministers meet in Sydney to align a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and COP31. Health & Industry Partnerships: FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels & Resorts donates $11,000 to Diabetes Fiji, funded via hotel coffee sales and backed by community screenings. Waste & Farming Impact: Taveuni residents call for urgent action on illegal dumping, while agriculture warns rubbish in drains is threatening waterways and sugarcane production. Energy for Remote Services: Fiji launches 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to strengthen immunisation in remote communities. Coastal Protection: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji plants about 200 mangrove seedlings with WWF support to restore coastal ecosystems. Consumer Watch: Consumer Council reports landlord and tenancy disputes are the biggest source of complaints, urging better communication and fair handling.

Sugar Industry Overhaul: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji needs major sugar reforms—large-scale farms, mechanised cultivation and harvesting, and mill upgrades—to revive output as taxpayers keep supporting a struggling sector. Cane Supply Crunch: Fiji Sugar Corporation, Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Sugar Industry Tribunal warn Lautoka Mill needs 5,000–5,500 tonnes of cane daily but deliveries are below 2,800, urging growers and transport/harvesting operators to boost deliveries. Cost Relief for Farmers: The FCCC cut regulated mechanical harvesting rates by 16.7% and reduced selected cane cartage rates after diesel prices fell. Waste & Farming Threats: Taveuni residents and the Agriculture Ministry say illegal dumping is polluting beaches and waterways, with rubbish blocking drains and ending up in irrigation channels—damaging sugarcane and creating health risks. Health Access Upgrade: Fiji’s Ministry of Health launched 65 solar-powered vaccine carriers to protect the cold chain for remote and maritime communities. Climate Coordination: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to push a united agenda for Pre-COP31 in Fiji and COP31, aiming to speak with one voice. Business & Connectivity: Telecom Fiji reaffirmed Platinum sponsorship of TOPEX 2026, backing a growing business platform for innovators and entrepreneurs. Consumer Watch: Consumer Council of Fiji reports landlord/tenancy disputes are the top complaint area, with bond, repairs and maintenance issues driving cases. Digital Inclusion Push: Tongan universities join a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG, focusing on practical solutions for cybersecurity and safer online access. Community Environment: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji planted about 200 mangrove seedlings with WWF to support coastal protection and tourism resilience.

Sugar Industry Overhaul: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji needs major reforms to revive sugar, pushing for large-scale farms, mechanised cultivation and harvesting, and upgraded mills as ageing equipment drags output. Cane Supply Crunch: Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Sugar Industry Tribunal warn Lautoka Mill needs 5,000–5,500 tonnes of cane daily but has been getting under 2,800 tonnes, urging growers and transporters to boost deliveries over the next 10 days. Sugar Price Relief: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission cut regulated mechanical harvesting rates by 16.7% and reduced Rakiraki–Rarawai cartage rates after diesel price declines. Food & Farming Support: 195 organic farmers received equipment via the Pacific Community’s POLFN project to improve productivity and strengthen food security. Scam Defence Push: The Consumer Council launched National Scams Awareness Week 2026, rolling out anti-fraud education to Lautoka and Labasa with a Fijian Book of Scams and hotline 155. Israel Partnership for Water, Energy & Ag: Fiji’s tourism leadership says collaboration with Israel could help agriculture, desalination and solar solutions. Maritime Overhaul: Government is reviewing Fiji’s shipping system, including options to turn Government Shipping Services into a state-owned enterprise to prevent monopolies and protect outer-island supply. Solar for Rural Health: A new solar system is improving electricity reliability at Gasele Nursing Station in Kadavu. Digital Inclusion Challenge: Tonga universities join a Pacific digital inclusion and online safety innovation challenge in PNG. Sports—Youth Football: Fiji beat Solomon Islands on penalties to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and reach the OFC U-16 final.

Sugar Industry Watch: Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Sugar Industry Tribunal say Lautoka Sugar Mill is in a critical position as cane deliveries sit far below the 5,000–5,500 tonnes/day needed, with stakeholders urged to boost harvesting and transport over the next 10 days. Food & Farming Resilience: 195 organic farmers across Fiji received equipment support under the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network to lift productivity, cut costs and strengthen local food security. Scam Defence: The Consumer Council of Fiji rolled out National Scams Awareness Week 2026, pushing “informed trust” and a new Fijian Book of Scams guide as UN warnings highlight Pacific exposure to global scam syndicates. Digital Safety & Inclusion: Tonga’s TNU and Christ’s University in Pacific are set to compete in Papua New Guinea’s Bridge the Gap digital inclusion and online safety challenge, aiming for practical solutions for cybersecurity and digital financial access. Climate & Energy: Pacific Climate Ministers met in Sydney to align positions ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, while a new solar system is improving healthcare reliability at Gasele Nursing Station in Kadavu. Maritime & Trade: Fiji is reviewing its maritime shipping system, including options for Government Shipping Services to become a state-owned enterprise, after supply disruptions hit outer islands. Industry Skills: FNU and the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board signed an MoU to build structured professional training and continuing development for Fiji’s real estate sector.

Maritime Reform: Fiji’s Public Works and Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the government is reviewing the maritime shipping system, including options to turn Government Shipping Services into a state-owned enterprise and to curb monopolies—aimed at preventing future outer-island supply shortages. Solar for Health: A new solar power system at Gasele Nursing Station in Kadavu is boosting reliable electricity for vaccine cold storage and frontline care. Sugar Crossroads: Calls are growing to privatise FSC as labour shortages and weak cane deliveries strain production; farmers are also pushing for a higher guaranteed cane price. Ports & Logistics Security: A Suva Wharf incident has a vehicle importer asking police to investigate deliberate scratches on four imported cars, with requests to preserve CCTV and shipping records. Water & Climate Funding: The ADB and Japan launched a $10m water security fund (WISER) to strengthen resilience across Asia-Pacific. Scam & Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council urges stronger “defence” systems against scams, while FCCC warns businesses against greenwashing and says Fiji’s children can’t be treated as bargaining chips after a Taveuni school bus suspension. Infrastructure Push: Major jetty upgrades and Suva road works are progressing to improve safety, drainage and passenger facilities. Sports Spotlight: Fiji’s U-17 team beat the Solomon Islands on penalties to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and reach the OFC U-16 final.

Scams & Digital Safety: Fiji’s Consumer Council says awareness isn’t enough as scams evolve, urging stronger systems and partnerships during National Scams Awareness Week. AI Abuse: A PNG TV host’s Facebook photos were cloned with AI to promote fake giveaways, pushing calls for community understanding alongside new laws. Greenwashing Crackdown: FCCC warns businesses against false “green/eco-friendly/sustainable” claims, saying marketing must be accurate and verifiable. Sugar Industry Pressure: Labour shortages are cutting cane deliveries at Lautoka Sugar Mill, forcing stop-start operations and worsening supply strain. Farmers’ Push: Sugar Industry Special Committee consultations are reviewing a higher guaranteed cane price. Transport & Essential Services: FCCC says children’s futures can’t be a bargaining chip after Taveuni school bus suspensions, with enforcement underway. Water Pollution Penalties: Lands and Health submissions to strengthen Fiji’s Public Health Bill call for higher fines and clearer offences for mining, quarrying and other activities that contaminate water sources. Maritime Infrastructure: Major jetty upgrades are progressing nationwide, with designs for more maritime jetties expected by end-2026. Energy for Health: A new solar power system at Gasele Nursing Station improves reliable electricity for vaccines and services. Business Growth: BSP Fiji THRIVE has now passed 200 entrepreneur graduates, including 27 in Sigatoka. Music & Media: FIPRA Music Awards return on Sept 12 with FBC as official broadcast partner. Road Safety: Suva’s Ratu Sukuna Road and Extension Street link launch with drainage and pedestrian safety upgrades.

Climate diplomacy: Fiji is ramping up preparations for the Third Climate Ministerial and Pacific Pre-COP in Nadi this October, with Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya meeting Australia’s Chris Bowen and Pacific COP31 envoys to push Pacific priorities into COP31 planning. Business growth: BSP’s Thrive program has now passed 200 graduates since 2023, with the latest cohort of 27 entrepreneurs in Sigatoka spanning tourism, agribusiness, manufacturing, bakery and sawmilling. Sugar supply watch: Fiji Sugar Corporation says supermarket sugar shortages are easing as all three mills operate again, with retail pack backlogs (~65 tonnes) expected to clear by end of week and imports used to bridge gaps. Consumer protection: The FCCC is investigating the suspension of Taveuni school bus services over a fare dispute, while services are set to resume after talks. Transport & costs: Fuel-driven shipping hikes are raising freight costs for Pacific businesses, with Swire Shipping citing global oil market pressure. Scam crackdown: Police warn scams are increasingly tech-enabled and emotion-driven, with 1,672 cases reported since 2017. Road upgrades: Suva’s Ratu Sukuna Road and Extension Street link are being upgraded to improve safety and reduce congestion, with revised scope cutting cost to $28.2m. M-PAiSA fees: Vodafone Fiji rejects claims of hidden charges, saying M-PAiSA tariffs are publicly disclosed. Fuel price risk: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel warns higher global oil prices could lift Fiji fuel costs within a month.