Aviation & Tourism Costs: Fiji Airways is under fresh pressure to review its spending and investment priorities after rising operational costs, including an extra $150m in fuel costs over three months, prompted calls for a rethink of its Sofitel investment and flight routes. Public Finance & Governance: A budget forum sparked debate over government travel costs after calls to cut transport spending by using one minibus for ministers, alongside new scrutiny of 826 government vehicle crashes costing $7.39m since 2023. Sugar Sector Sustainability: Fiji’s finance permanent secretary says the sugar industry is “no longer sustainable” in its current form and warns that more bailouts without a recovery plan could drain public funds, while industry leaders argue for clearer support and reforms. Food Security & Farming Support: The Fiji rice industry is seeking more investment to boost local production and infrastructure, citing a likely 30% output drop due to a pesticide outbreak and plans to upgrade mills and improve farmer records. Trade & Investment Push: Fiji and Australia business leaders are gearing up for a 27–29 August joint forum in Suva, with agriculture flagged as the next major opportunity to strengthen supply chains and market access. Regional Security Diplomacy: Fiji welcomed New Zealand’s interest in joining the Ocean of Peace alliance, saying Wellington can decide based on national interests, as China’s Pacific missile test continues to drive calls for stronger Pacific-led security. Sports & Economy: Fiji’s sugar-and-sport crossover continues as Ba shifts from Fiji FACT celebrations back to league business, while Fiji’s Nations Championship “home” games in the UK highlight how match location can change revenue outcomes.