AGP Executive Report

Fuel Relief Push: Fiji taxi operators are calling for urgent Government help as fuel prices and operating costs bite hard, with fares unchanged since 2011 and drivers struggling to absorb near-doubled fuel costs. Fuel Price Timing: The Consumer Council wants fuel price notices made earlier, warning last-minute announcements are triggering panic buying, queues and unethical behaviour. Public Pay Debate: The Fiji Teachers Union rejects any proposal to cut civil servants’ salaries over fuel pressures, arguing workers shouldn’t pay for global shocks; opposition MP Premila Kumar also questions government spending and asks for cuts elsewhere first. Waste & Jobs: Return and Earn is expanding in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming to create local jobs while boosting recycling and cleanliness. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific authorities are training to meet new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Court Access Upgrade: A new Magistrates Court facility is planned for Korotasere to cut costly travel to Savusavu and strengthen crime prevention in the Natewa–Korotasere corridor. Energy & Climate Finance: Fiji is urging faster, simpler climate finance for small island states as risks intensify.

Clean Energy & Investment: The ISA and World Bank launched a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, pushing investment-ready solar and storage projects and spotlighting a 220MW solar-plus-storage tender pipeline in Mauritius that Fiji and other Pacific states can model. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific fisheries authorities trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels, tightening freezing temperatures and traceability to protect market access. Fuel Pressure on Households & Transport: Fiji’s fuel caps and wider Pacific energy costs remain a major drag, with taxi and bus operators in Fiji calling for urgent relief and faster subsidy processing as rising fuel bills squeeze earnings and passenger demand. Climate Finance Push: Fiji urged donors to make climate funding simpler and faster for small island states, warning current processes are too slow as sea-level rise and extreme weather threaten GDP and livelihoods. Waste-to-Energy Fallout: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected the Vuda waste-to-energy EIA, while opponents say the developer could still pursue better-scaled waste solutions. Regional Trade & Security: Pacific trade officials met to shape the region’s trade agenda, and Forum foreign ministers backed a regional response mechanism to manage Middle East-linked economic and security risks. Connectivity Boost: Fiji Airways confirmed direct Nadi–Nouméa flights returning from September 22, aiming to lift tourism and regional business travel. Skills & Jobs: Pacific Polytech’s Labasa graduation highlighted workforce needs as Fiji continues to face skills gaps from overseas labour mobility.

Fuel & inflation pressure: Fiji’s diesel caps were lifted again this month (to about FJ$4.58–4.62 a litre), while the Consumer Council of Fiji is demanding earlier fuel price announcements after late-month hikes triggered panic buying and queues. Transport costs hit households: Taxi operators are calling for urgent Government relief, saying fares haven’t moved since 2010 while fuel costs nearly doubled; bus operators also warn cash payments can block access to the 22.5% fare subsidy, pushing commuters toward e-ticketing. Public services under strain: Fiji Teachers Union says the country can’t afford teacher “brain drain” and opposes any civil servant pay cuts tied to the global fuel crisis. Waste-to-energy setback in Vuda: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected the Vuda waste-to-energy and private port EIA, citing unresolved risks from project scale and imported waste to public health, tourism and cultural impacts; the Vuda-Saweni taskforce says it’s open to better-scaled alternatives. Trade & compliance: Fiji has met new EU fish export safety requirements, including traceability for blast-frozen fish and vessel details. Skills & jobs: Pacific Polytech graduates in Labasa were urged to plug Fiji’s skills gaps as labour mobility drains critical trades. Energy transition: Food Processors Fiji is cutting fuel use by reorganising production and is seeking rooftop solar support to reduce fossil dependence. Maritime & security: New Zealand Customs and RNZAF patrols supported Operation Kiwa, targeting illegal activity across Pacific waters.

Vuda waste-to-energy setback: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ (TNG) Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port EIA, citing unresolved issues on project scale, imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, water and public health risks, plus road/port, tourism and economic concerns. Appeal clock: TNG has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal; the ministry says there’s no resubmission pathway. Fuel pressure hits delivery: Government warns rising fuel prices are already forcing cuts to rural development work, including fewer borehole projects as operating costs rise. Bus subsidy payments move: Finance says fare-subsidy funds for bus operators are being released for processing via e-ticketing, with payments due tomorrow, after operators flagged cash-flow strain from fuel hikes. Drug crackdown: Police in the Northern Division destroyed nearly 47,400 marijuana plants worth about $47.39m and made 77 arrests during coordinated operations. Labour reform push: Employment Minister says planned employment law changes could lift Fiji’s ITUC Global Rights Index rating from 4 by restoring collective bargaining and union rights. Tourism & jobs: A new Nadi Back Road showroom/warehouse development is expected to create jobs and strengthen Nadi’s role as a commercial hub. Regional security: Fiji hosted Oceania Customs Organisation talks warning the Pacific is shifting from a drug transit route to a destination, calling for stronger intelligence sharing and frontline capacity.

Public Health Law: Fiji National University urges the Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 to use tiered fines, with bigger penalties for major corporations and fines set via regulations so they can be updated more often. Nutrition & Kids: A Northern Division study reports childhood overweight and obesity up 40% in five years, rising from 5% (2021) to 7% (2025), with lunchbox quality still a major problem. Waste & Environment: Fiji has rejected an Australian billionaire’s energy-from-waste plan for Vuda Point, citing unresolved issues including imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, public health risks, and impacts on tourism and infrastructure. Fuel Pressure & Transport: Bus operators warn of a widening fuel deficit, with monthly shortfalls projected to reach about $5m by June, threatening service levels. Public Sector Costs: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says civil servants’ pay cuts are not decided, though further cuts remain possible if finance calculations require it. Labour Reform: Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh says planned employment law reforms could lift Fiji’s ITUC Global Rights Index rating by restoring collective bargaining and union rights. Business & Jobs: A multi-million-dollar Nadi Back Road showroom and warehouse project is expected to create jobs and strengthen Nadi’s role as a commercial hub. Diplomacy & Security: Israel opens a permanent embassy in Suva, with Fiji stressing it won’t align militarily, while protests erupt over Gaza fallout. Drua Economic Impact: Drua CEO Jeff Miller says the franchise contributed about $108m to Fiji’s GDP in 2025, up from $67m in 2023.

Civil Service Pay Cuts: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka says further pay cuts for civil servants are not ruled out to cushion global fuel shocks, but any move depends on Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel’s calculations. Regional Security: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 Beijing security pact after admitting he only saw the agreement days before his Australia trip. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Israel officially opened its embassy in Suva, with Fiji and Israel framing it as a boost to bilateral cooperation; protests were reported at the opening. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September 2026, twice weekly, adding 10,000+ seats annually for tourism and business travel. Fuel Pressure on Households: Taxi drivers and vendors continue pushing for fuel relief as costs feed into everyday prices. Public Health Funding: Diabetes Fiji calls for at least $1m in direct government funding in the 2026-27 budget, citing rising diabetes deaths and clinic shortages. Maritime & Climate Finance: Pacific transport ministers back a new shipping alliance aimed at low-carbon vessels and a $300m Green Climate Fund bid. Sports & Business Spotlight: Fiji Surf Pro will be broadcast live by FBC from Cloudbreak, boosting Fiji’s visibility for global sport and tourism.

Fiji–Israel Diplomacy: Israel opened its embassy in Suva after FM Gideon Sa’ar’s “historic” visit, with Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka stressing the move is about bilateral ties and that Fiji won’t be drawn into conflicts; protests were met by police as the embassy inauguration sparked debate. Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September 2026, twice weekly, adding 10,000+ seats annually to boost tourism, trade and business travel. Regional Security & Jobs: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 China security pact, while Fiji’s Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel urged stronger regional action as Pacific drug threats escalate. Shipping for Climate Finance: Pacific transport ministers are set to launch a regional shipping alliance aiming to unlock climate funding and accelerate low-carbon vessel plans. Rural Livelihoods: Lakeba pine harvesting begins after machinery handover, with expected value around $52m for landowners. Media & Rights: Pacific broadcasters are pushing for regional content-sharing as sports and entertainment rights costs rise.

Fiji-Israel Diplomacy: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar inaugurated Israel’s new embassy in Suva, restoring a diplomatic presence after nearly three decades and pointing to cooperation in water, renewables, agriculture and technology. Labour Mobility Warning: Fiji’s Employment Ministry urged PALM workers not to disengage from approved jobs after a PALM worker reportedly left employment and ended up homeless in Australia, saying liaison officers are trying to reach him. Fuel Cost Pressure: Savusavu taxi operators say record fuel prices are forcing them off long-distance routes, while opposition and vendors link higher fuel costs to rising living and food prices. Aviation Upgrade: Labasa Airport is set to get a remote tower/AFIS system to feed live flight information to Nadi, improving safety and coordination for Vanua Levu. Trade & Standards: Fiji and Standards Australia are advancing a national standards framework to help local businesses meet international requirements and grow exports. Business Moves: TISA Insurance (Fiji) launched under a unified Pacific identity, and Bunnings Pacific opened an online store with 20,000+ products for Fijians. Health Procurement: SK Bioscience won its first UNICEF flu vaccine contract, with Fiji listed among recipient countries. Regional Media: NBC hosted the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient regional storytelling and newsroom sustainability.

Fuel & cost pressures: Fiji’s Reserve Bank warns growth is still sliding as global US-Iran tensions lift fuel costs, tighten conditions abroad, and follow a recent electricity tariff hike—while inflation has turned positive again on higher fuel and food prices. Household squeeze: Vendors say rising fuel is pushing up fresh produce prices and cutting market supply, with staples now costing far more and farmers struggling with diesel, water, fertiliser and labour costs. Fuel relief debate: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says the government should cut fuel VAT (12.5%) for immediate relief, after questioning how Australia’s $47m fuel grant will be used. Trade push: Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says export growth depends on consistent local supply and improved standards, with planned trade visits to Australia and New Zealand. Customs leadership: Oceania Customs Organisation appoints Fijian Laisiana Tugaga as Head of Secretariat, starting at Nadi’s annual conference. Regional media: Pacific broadcasters face falling revenue and rising costs, with PNG hosting the Pacific Media Partnership Conference on resilient, sustainable journalism. Health procurement: SK Bioscience wins its first UNICEF influenza vaccine contract, with Fiji listed among recipient countries. Diplomacy & backlash: Israel’s Suva embassy reopens after 36 years, drawing condemnation from Pasifika for Palestine and APAN.

Diplomacy & Trade: Israel’s embassy in Suva is set to reopen today after a 36-year gap, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expected to meet Fiji’s President, PM and senior ministers and formalise bilateral cooperation arrangements. Pacific Security & Governance: Fiji’s 2026–2027 Budget will prioritise national security, including a National Security Council and a proposed National Intelligence Agency to strengthen responses to transnational crime. Regional Energy Watch: Forum officials have assessed how the Middle East energy crisis could hit Forum Island Countries, feeding into a regional response mechanism ahead of the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting. Climate & Shipping Risk: Pacific leaders are stepping up COP31 preparations, while voyaging plans for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are being adjusted due to a developing El Niño pattern and cyclone risk. Business & Consumer Access: Bunnings Pacific has launched an online store in Fiji, letting customers order 20,000+ hardware and home products with delivery from Australia. Labour & Cost of Living: The living wage debate is intensifying, with former finance minister Biman Prasad defending gradual wage reform while unions push for faster increases. Environment & Waste: A Lautoka composting push says composting could cut Fiji landfill waste by more than half, targeting the country’s high organic waste share. Water & Local Development: More than 4,200 people in southern Taveuni have lacked reliable water for over a decade, with residents calling for action after repeated promises. Regional Crime Concerns: Samoa’s acting police commissioner says 20 drug raids have been carried out this year, amid fears of wider organised crime links across the Pacific.

Waste & Energy: Canada’s High Commission says composting could cut Fiji landfill waste by more than half, citing organic material at about 60% of waste, as Lautoka receives composting bins and kits. Fuel & Cost of Living: Fuel prices jump again from June 1, with petrol up to $3.93/L and diesel to $4.58/L on Viti Levu; Dialogue Fiji urges a temporary fuel duty cut, while Opposition MP Ketan Lal calls for removing fuel taxes. Wages Debate: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says any move toward an $8 minimum wage must follow a formal review process, as the FTUC pushes for a living-wage framework. Climate Risk: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warns sea-level rise could cost Fiji up to 2.6% of GDP annually without major action. Tourism Regulation: Fiji’s Tourism Bill 2026 is now law, creating a broader framework covering hotels, tour operators, community tourism and short-term rentals. Trade & Legal Support: Fiji ratifies the WTO Advisory Centre on WTO Law agreement to access free legal advice and subsidised representation. Fisheries: A four-month ban on kawakawa and donu starts today (June 1–Sept 30), while beche-de-mer harvesting is extended by eight months to boost rural incomes. Pacific Security & Infrastructure: Quad partners pledge port infrastructure support, with Fiji flagged as a first pilot beneficiary. Water Crisis: Over 4,200 people in southern Taveuni remain without reliable water after more than a decade.

Fuel & Cost of Living: Fiji’s fuel bill jumps again from June 1, with petrol up about 80 cents/litre and diesel up to 77 cents/litre, while LPG prices rise sharply too—adding pressure to households and businesses already hit by record energy costs. Opposition Push: Opposition MP Ketan Lal says the Government should remove fuel taxes immediately, arguing higher diesel will flow through to food and essential services. Energy Risk Watch: The Reserve Bank of Fiji flags rising global energy costs as a major threat to inflation and consumer spending. Waste-to-Energy Debate: Vuda waste-to-energy backers say Fiji needs a long-term fix for both waste and power before it’s too late, as the $1.4b proposal faces local and environmental concerns. Fisheries & Rural Income: The beche-de-mer season has been extended by eight months, with officials citing about $4.1m already earned by resource-owning communities; meanwhile, kawakawa and donu seasonal bans start today to protect breeding stocks. Quad Ports for Future: Fiji is set to be the first Pacific beneficiary of a Quad-led port infrastructure pilot, with Suva and Lautoka flagged as early sites. Customs & Crime: Fiji hosts Pacific customs leaders for the OCO conference as border threats from organised crime and illicit trade grow. Youth & Poverty Data Gap: PM Rabuka says updated rural poverty figures aren’t available yet, pointing to reliance on older survey data. Education Access: The Education Bill 2025 clarifies that school levies won’t block enrolment, with approval required and low-income exemptions urged. Business & Finance (Regional): PNG banks prepare green loan standards, with Fiji’s central bank peers in the Pacific learning how to classify and manage environmental lending risks. Sports & Community: Moana Pasifika bows out of Super Rugby with an emotional win, while Chiefs and Reds set up playoff matches.

Quad & Ports of the Future: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi agreed on a “ports of the future” push that includes a Fiji port infrastructure project, alongside maritime surveillance and critical minerals cooperation—positioning Fiji as a key logistics hub in the Indo-Pacific. Energy & Inflation Watch: Fiji’s central bank flagged rising global energy costs as a major risk, noting fuel-driven inflation pressures and uncertainty over oil supply. Digital Agriculture Rollout: Fiji is moving from pilot digital farming to nationwide rollout, with $115m allocated in the 2025-2026 budget for digital agriculture, market access and capital support, plus upgrades to protected farming and cold-chain systems. Tourism Governance: Fiji’s Tourism Bill 2026 has passed, aiming to strengthen accountability, investor confidence and cross-agency coordination across standards, destination planning and environmental and labour safeguards. Trade & Borders Leadership: Fiji’s Laisiana Tugaga has been appointed Head of Secretariat of the Oceania Customs Organisation, becoming the first Fijian to lead the body. Business Finance for SMEs: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched to improve Pacific SMEs’ access to finance, targeting blue/green economy and climate-resilience businesses. Security & Crime: Fiji authorities continue joint counter-narcotics operations in the West, while regional leaders stress coordinated action against illicit drugs across Pacific waters.

Organised Crime & Drugs: Fiji and the wider Pacific are facing rising concern after a gang-related killing linked to Australia’s “Coconut Cartel” led to arrests in Samoa and Vietnam, with experts warning cartels can pay for hits and buy influence across the region. Regional Security Cooperation: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating “as a team” to stop illicit drugs moving through ocean routes, while Fiji’s Joint Counter-Narcotics Task Force vows to keep hunting criminal networks after raids in Nadi. Border & Trade Leadership: Fiji has scored a milestone for regional trade and customs, with Laisiana Tugaga appointed Head of Secretariat of the Oceania Customs Organisation from June 1. Courts & Business Risk: Fiji’s Court of Appeal overturned a $1.33m Fiji Fish judgment against an infrastructure group and cement companies, saying the High Court went beyond the pleaded case—an important signal for commercial disputes. Power & Cost Pressures: Energy Fiji Limited reported more unplanned outages in 2025 than 2024, though restoration times improved slightly, alongside a $522.66m grid capital program. Ports, Jobs & Investment: The Quad’s “Ports of the Future” push is gaining traction, with Fiji Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel saying it’s partner-funded and eases pressure on Fiji taxpayers—while youth groups warn outcomes will hinge on delivery. Finance for SMEs: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises access finance, especially in blue/green and climate-resilience sectors. Land & Industry Reform: Parliament passed the Criminal Records Bill 2025 to help rehabilitated people rebuild lives, and the Mahogany Industry Bill 2026 aims to give landowners a bigger share via a Mahogany Forum, Tribunal and equitable benefit fund. Social Inclusion & Youth: Opposition MPs renewed calls to close gaps for persons with disabilities, and Fiji’s young women handball squad named a 22-player training group for a U18 world championship debut. Governance & Skills: Parliament was told 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement as of May 25, highlighting ongoing staffing and recruitment bottlenecks.

Quad Ports Push: Foreign ministers from the US, Australia, Japan and India say they will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji after meeting in New Delhi, positioning the move as high-quality delivery for Pacific priorities amid wider Indo-Pacific competition. Power Reliability: Fiji’s grid is under strain as Energy Fiji Limited recorded 1,829 unplanned outages in 2025 (up from 1,656 in 2024), though average restoration time improved; EFL also outlined a $522.66m 2025–26 capital program to upgrade substations, transmission and generation. Fuel Cost Pressure: The Reserve Bank of Fiji flags fragile conditions as global oil and energy uncertainty keep fuel prices elevated, feeding into inflation and cost-of-living pressures. Education Staffing Gap: Parliament was told 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement as of May 25, with the biggest shortfall in early childhood education (128). Jobs and Mobility Reform: The newly passed Criminal Records Bill 2026 aims to remove barriers for people with minor offences to access jobs, including overseas labour mobility schemes. Climate Reporting Win: FBC journalist Sainiani Boila placed third at the Terra Asia Climate Change Project awards for coverage of coastal erosion impacts in Lau. Regional Shipping Shift: Pacific ministers will meet in Majuro to accelerate a transition away from diesel toward low-carbon shipping, including work toward climate finance and a possible $300m Green Climate Fund proposal.

Fuel & cost-of-living watch: The Reserve Bank of Fiji says the outlook remains fragile as higher global fuel prices feed inflation, with electricity tariff and fuel risks still looming. Budget support clarity: Australia’s AUD$30m grant to Fiji won’t be ring-fenced for fuel relief and will flow through the consolidated fund based on national priorities. Education affordability: Parents and the Fiji Teachers Association are urging the Government to suspend school levies amid rising fuel and food costs, while Parliament also revealed 202 registered teachers still await placement. Jobs & mobility: The newly passed Criminal Records Bill 2026 aims to remove barriers from minor offences so people can access jobs, including overseas labour mobility schemes. Climate resilience: Fiji launched a US$15.4m early warning project to reach 416,000 people, targeting barriers that leave vulnerable communities without timely alerts. Diplomacy & business ties: Israel is set to open a resident embassy in Fiji, deepening cooperation in security, climate adaptation and agriculture. Regional security: Fiji confirmed two Samoan nationals linked to a transnational murder case transited through Nadi, as Samoa freezes related bank accounts.