AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, running twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) using ATR 72-600 aircraft, adding 10,000+ seats a year and boosting travel for holidays, business and family links across the Pacific. Climate Finance & Ocean Economy: Fiji is pushing for climate funding to shift from promises to on-the-ground delivery, stressing that adaptation and ocean protection must reach villages, farmers and fishers at the right scale and speed. Anti-Corruption in Disasters: UNODC says Pacific governments should build transparency and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster planning, with a new integrity toolkit being explored with Fiji. Governance & Elections: FNU ethics academic Mosmi Bhim calls proposed Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026 fines “draconian,” warning they’re unaffordable and could deter candidates. Fiji–Australia Security Scrutiny: A Lau chief urges Parliament to withhold approval of the Vuvale Union and Veitacini Treaty until the public gets a full, independent account of what Fiji is committing to. Women in Leadership: FWRM reports only 22.2% of permanent secretary roles are held by women, highlighting structural barriers despite recent appointments. Sports & Business Interest: Rewa has confirmed its intent to defend the FMF Inter-District Championship title as pools are drawn for the Oct 6–11 tournament in Suva.

HIV & Public Health: Fiji has escalated its HIV response into a formal national emergency, with new diagnoses surging and young people hit hardest—raising alarms for the wider Pacific as Samoa and neighbours face spillover risk. Media & Trust: BBC Media Action says social media is now the main source of news across the region, pushing journalists to strengthen verification and storytelling skills ahead of the Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders head to UNGA81 with a united push on climate, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, aiming to boost the Pacific Resilience Facility to US$500m. Governance & Integrity: Parliament hears warnings that the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union could bring procurement fraud, bribery and conflicts of interest risks across major infrastructure and digital projects. Transport & Business Costs: Rental operators report permit delays and traffic fine processing lags, while taxi operators warn rising fuel, vehicle and insurance costs are squeezing incomes. Sports & Community: Fiji’s Inter-District Championship pools are drawn, with Kiribati joining for the first time, and youth sport initiatives in Taveuni are using gyms and training to steer young people away from drugs.

Pacific Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific delegations pressed for stronger international recognition and support for Pacific-led fisheries strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based tuna management and regional cooperation. Traditional Governance: The Great Council of Chiefs welcomed Cabinet’s move on stand-alone Bose Levu Vakaturaga legislation, but wants the Bill fast-tracked into Parliament this month and fears delays could leave the institution unable to operate. Tourism Investment: Hilton Fiji (Denarau) is planning major upgrades for the next 20 years, including a new lobby, room and restaurant refurbishments, and broader guest-experience improvements. Consumer Safety: The Consumer Council of Fiji issued an urgent warning about imported “music lollipops,” citing serious lithium battery and choking hazards for children. Tourism Growth: Fiji hit a record 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, with officials stressing the next phase must deliver more value for local businesses and communities. HIV Emergency Focus: Fiji’s HIV crisis is flagged as a wake-up call for Samoa and the wider Pacific, with young people among the hardest hit and calls for urgent, sustained response. Cost Pressure on Transport: Taxi operators say rising fuel, vehicle and insurance costs are making the business unsustainable, backing a continued four-cent fare increase. Jobs and Skills: A former corrections officer turned farming into an award-winning poultry and goat business, supported by grants and Fiji Development Bank financing. Regional Advocacy at UN: Pacific leaders are set to push a unified voice at UNGA81, including support for the Pacific Resilience Facility targeting US$500m. Business and Trade: Fiji is finalising arrangements to bring 1,500 caregivers to Israel over 12 months, with the first group of 25 expected by December 2026.

ADB Financing: Fiji has secured a US$210m Asian Development Bank package to cushion households and businesses from higher fuel and food costs, with a US$200m policy loan and US$10m disaster financing. Tourism Milestone: Fiji hit a record 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, pushing the country past 100,000 monthly arrivals for the first time, as officials stress “value over volume.” Labour & Legacy: Tributes marked the funeral of former Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh, highlighting his decades of work for workers’ rights and a $9.2m settlement tied to a long-running gold mine dispute. Constitution Debate: University of Fiji law students sent a draft Constitution to the PM, proposing limits on immunity for unconstitutional seizures and adding protections for AI, digital privacy and internet access. Governance Watch: The Great Council of Chiefs welcomed Cabinet’s move toward stand-alone Bose Levu Vakaturaga legislation but wants it fast-tracked and warns about delays from a proposed gazette start date. Mining & Land Reform: Fiji seeks Australian expertise for mining reforms and land services, including support for a Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill. Caregiver Labour Mobility: Fiji and Israel are finalising plans to bring 1,500 Fijian caregivers to Israel over 12 months, with the first group of 25 arriving by December 2026. Business Growth: Perfume Fiji’s founder is pushing to expand exports after local sales reached about $15,000 in August, while Fiji Development Bank and Sasakawa explore community eco-tourism opportunities. Sports (Business Angle): Fiji Kulas aim to bounce back against Vanuatu in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, while FRU reviews rugby competition governance and finances ahead of 2027.

ADB Financing & Resilience: Fiji secured a US$210m Asian Development Bank package (US$200m policy loan, US$10m disaster financing) to cushion fuel and food shocks and strengthen disaster readiness. Tourism Growth: Fiji hit a record 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, pushing monthly arrivals past 100,000 for the first time, with officials urging “value over volume” for wider community benefits. Mining & Land Reform: Fiji is seeking Australian expertise for major mining and land law changes, including a proposed Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill and upgrades to digital land records. Labour Mobility: Fiji is finalising plans to bring 1,500 caregivers to Israel over 12 months, with the first group of 25 expected in December 2026. Business & Jobs: The Fiji Development Bank and Sasakawa Peace Foundation are exploring community-based eco-tourism in maritime areas, while Yaladro farmers received a second mechanical cane harvester to boost timely harvesting and income. Finance Watch: The Reserve Bank of Fiji says depositors’ money is safe, but warns lower global rates may pressure its profits. Policy & Governance: The Great Council of Chiefs welcomed Cabinet’s move on stand-alone Bose Levu Vakaturaga legislation but wants the Bill fast-tracked and concerns delays from the proposed start dates.

Tourism & Investment: Fiji hit a new tourism high with 105,791 visitor arrivals in July, topping 100,000 for the first time, as Tourism Fiji and the sector push for growth that delivers real value to jobs and communities. Aviation & High-end Tourism: Fly Fiji is investing in a new twin-engine helicopter fleet to support upmarket travel, including direct access for visitors to the rebuilt Namena luxury diving resort. Housing & Climate-smart Building: Fiji World Bamboo Day research suggests bamboo construction could cost about $1,300 per square metre, with draft national guidelines handed to the Forestry and Fisheries Ministry. Eco-tourism & the Blue Economy: FDB and Sasakawa Peace Foundation are exploring community-based eco-tourism and agri-tourism linked to marine conservation in places like Levuka and Vanua Balavu. Agribusiness Productivity: Yaladro Farmers Co-operative in Tavua received its second mechanical cane harvester, building on grants and Fiji Development Bank support to tackle labour shortages and improve harvest timing. ADB Support for Shocks: The Asian Development Bank approved a US$210m package to cushion fuel and food price shocks and strengthen disaster financing and resilience. Public Health Crisis: Fiji declared a national HIV emergency after UNAIDS data showed infections rising 12-fold over 15 years, prompting expanded testing and treatment. Labour & Business Skills: Returned seasonal workers are being trained to turn overseas earnings into businesses, while young inmates in Taveuni complete a programme aimed at work and entrepreneurship after release.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after UNAIDS data showed infections rising 12-fold over 15 years, with about 9,000 people living with HIV in 2025 (around 1 in 60 adults) and major gaps in knowing status and accessing treatment; the government says it will expand testing and care fast. Cost Pressures & Finance: The Asian Development Bank approved a US$210m (FJ$473m) package to cushion Fiji from fuel and food price shocks, including US$200m for policy reforms and US$10m for disaster financing. Minimum Wage Review: Fiji’s minimum wage review will be led by an independent consultant, as employers push for stronger wage-setting rules and tripartite frameworks ahead of adjustments. Constitution Reform Debate: Opposition and civil society warn the government’s push to have a new Constitution in force by Dec 24 is too rushed, risking political and economic uncertainty. Business & Jobs: Returned seasonal workers are being trained to turn savings into businesses, while Fiji’s services imports jumped $97.7m in the June quarter, mainly from higher sea transport costs. Regional Tourism Push: A new Pacific yachting strategy targets higher-value tourism spending in remote communities. Trade & Logistics: FedEx announced demand surcharges on multiple routes, including to/from Fiji, as it responds to capacity and operating cost pressures.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared HIV a national emergency as estimates rise to about 1 in 60 adults living with HIV, with officials pointing to a surge linked to injected methamphetamine and calling for expanded testing, prevention and harm-reduction support. Tourism Impact: The tourism minister says the HIV emergency should not deter visitors, noting tourism’s huge role in jobs and GDP. Wage Review Push: Cabinet has approved a comprehensive review of Fiji’s national minimum wage and 10 sectoral wages, but employers are demanding a clear, transparent wage-setting framework first, warning past increases lacked proper criteria and tripartite processes. Minimum Wage Consultant: The review will be led by an independent consultant to assess the wage structure and adjustments. Constitution Timing: Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu urges Government not to rush constitutional reform, warning a compressed timetable could create political and economic uncertainty. Trade & Imports: Fiji’s services imports jumped nearly $100m in the June quarter, driven mainly by higher sea transport costs. Infrastructure Watch: Tavua’s sewage system is at a critical stage, while Denarau’s temporary sewer pipeline is on track for completion by end of September. Business Tech Deal: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RC Manubhai sign a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and video analytics solutions to Fiji and the wider Pacific. Regional Security & Fisheries: RFNS Savenaca joins high-seas patrols targeting illegal fishing, strengthening surveillance and regional cooperation. Climate Resilience Funding: Fiji says it loses about $500m a year to climate disasters, and lawmakers question whether new climate funding will reach communities fast enough.

Public Health Emergency: Fiji has declared a national HIV crisis after estimates put infection at about 1 in 60 adults, up from 1 in 167 five years ago, with 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 and 59 babies born with HIV; the government says it will expand rapid testing, prevention and treatment, including harm-reduction support and free services. Climate & Cost of Living: Fijians are being urged to watch food prices as El Niño brings drier conditions, with the Competition and Consumer Commission warning of pressure on local crops and imported essentials. Budget Pressure & Drugs: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel defended 2026-27 cuts to Police and RFMF drug-fighting allocations, saying the response must work within tight finances and with international partners. Climate Finance Scrutiny: Questions are rising over how accessible climate funding is under the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union, with concerns that complex processes can leave communities waiting. Infrastructure for Tourism: A temporary Denarau sewer pipeline is on track to finish by end of September to reduce recurring bursts and protect a key tourism area. Wages & Workers: Fiji’s minimum wage review has been approved, but unions want results fast, warning workers are suffering under the current $5-an-hour rate. Transport Dispute: Taxi operators are blaming “pari drivers” for losses, calling for stronger enforcement against illegal operators. Central Bank Watch: The Reserve Bank says general reserves are strong, but profit outlook faces pressure as global interest rates fall. Business & Trade Links: Fiji is seeking deeper UK cooperation on diversification, digital transformation and MSME support, including potential financing for WAF infrastructure. Sports Tourism: Fijian Drua says eight home matches next season could lift local economic gains to about $130m.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national crisis after 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, saying one in 60 adults is living with HIV and warning 59 babies were born with HIV (18 died before age one), with government promising a whole-of-government response, expanded testing and prevention including PrEP and needle exchange planning. Constitution Timeline: Cabinet has endorsed tabling the Constitution Review Commission’s report and set a special Parliament sitting for 22 September, with a new Constitution targeted for 24 December 2026 if the process and referendum move through. Central Bank Cashflow: The Reserve Bank of Fiji recorded profit above $120m and will transfer more than $117m to Government, with Finance Minister saying it will go into the general revenue pool. Climate Funding Gap: Fiji says it needs about $10b for its national climate plan, while Australia’s 10-year package covers only part of the requirement, with funding flows still to be worked through under the Vuvale framework. RBF Transfers: RBF also handed over the $117m-plus transfer, as interest income pressures are expected with falling global rates. Minimum Wage Review: Cabinet approved an independent review of the national minimum wage and sectoral wages across 10 sectors, with public consultations before final recommendations. Sports Tourism Boost: Fijian Drua expects eight home matches to inject up to about $130m a year into the economy, pending venue and scheduling confirmations. Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific countries at COFI37 in Rome pushed for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management. Business & Tech Infrastructure: Commerce Minister says Google’s Natadola facility is a cable landing and monitoring support centre (with solar power), not a large data centre. Crime & Courts: Fiji Police are investigating seven missing cocaine bars from Suva High Court exhibits, while six Indian nationals were bailed in a case involving alleged undeclared $183,000 in foreign currency and money laundering. Tourism Strategy: Tourism Fiji is shifting from visitor numbers to wider economic value, citing 986,367 visitors in 2025 and a July milestone of 105,791 arrivals in one month.

HIV Emergency: Fiji has declared a national emergency after a rapid rise in HIV infections, with 1 in 60 adults estimated to be living with HIV (and 1 in 50 pregnant women), as officials move to expand diagnostics, therapies and PrEP while tackling harm-reduction gaps and a critical health worker shortage. Health Funding Pressure: The Fiji Medical Association warns funding and staffing shortfalls are disrupting core services, including shut X-ray and cancelled outreach clinics, calling for better-targeted financing under the new Health Strategic Plan. Border Cash Case: Six Indian nationals face court in Nadi over alleged non-declaration of about $183,000 in foreign currency and alleged money laundering tied to a trade show. Vuvale Union Funding Questions: Fiji’s education ministry is pressing for clarity on who will own, govern and fund new technical training centres after Australian support ends, while students fear TSLS bond penalties and are avoiding local study. Google Natadola Clarified: Commerce minister says Google is building a cable landing and monitoring support centre (with solar power), not a large data centre. Real Estate Deposit Dispute: Fiji’s Consumer Council has referred a Suva agency to the licensing board after it refused to refund a $10,000 deposit when a sale collapsed due to vendor withdrawal. Business & Jobs: TSLS-backed Graduate Business Startup grants are supporting 35 young entrepreneurs, while the Graduate start-up scheme is being phased out after two years. Trade & Fisheries: Fiji says tuna wealth must translate into jobs, investment and income for Fijians as it pushes for greater returns from Pacific fisheries.

Health System Under Strain: Prof Eddie McCaig says CWM Hospital is a “total mess”, with only two of nine operating theatres functioning, calling for urgent leadership and practical implementation of reforms. Entrepreneurship & Jobs: TSLS is backing 35 Fijians through a Graduate Business Startup Grant Scheme, offering $10,000 each for training and startup support. Sports Tourism Boost: Fijian Drua expects eight home matches to lift annual local economic gains from about $108m to $130m, with venues still being finalised. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council has referred a Suva real estate agency to the licensing board after it refused to refund a $10,000 deposit when a sale collapsed due to vendor withdrawal. Policy & Skills: Fiji’s Ministry of Education questions long-term funding for Vuvale Union technical training centres once Australian support ends. Kava Regulation: Experts welcome Fiji’s Kava Bill but warn tough licensing and traceability rules could burden rural growers. Mental Health Watch: Officials warn suicide prevention must ramp up ahead of the festive season as pressures rise. Agriculture & Food Prices: PM Rabuka urges farmers to increase affordable local food supply to curb demand for unhealthy processed options. Tourism Sustainability: South Sea Cruises Group will launch Fiji’s first electric coach transfers in October, supporting lower emissions and quieter transport.

Road & Freight Disruption: A Gau freight operator says worsening road conditions—made worse by heavy pine trucks—are stopping his weekly service from reaching some villages, calling on the Fiji Roads Authority for repairs and upgrades. Super Rugby Pacific: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua confirm eight home games in Fiji for the 2027 season across Suva, Lautoka and Ba, with the Highlanders the opening opponents. Public Service Appointments: The Public Service Commission appoints three new Permanent Secretaries—Solo Mara for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mitieli Cama for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management, and Pita Wise for Public Enterprises. Aged Care Funding Crisis: Father Law Home in Lami warns it has only about two months of funding left to support 30 elderly residents, seeking urgent donations to keep carers and essential services running. Waste Management Push: Government targets illegal dumping on Taveuni with plans to extend its school waste initiative and improve maritime waste handling, including potential transfer to Viti Levu for recycling. Agriculture Revival: PM Rabuka urges Fiji’s coconut sector to rehabilitate ageing plantations and shift toward productivity, farmer incomes and value-added processing. Health & Policy: Fiji’s HIV response is moving into crisis mode as child cases rise sharply, while Finance says it will consider health-focused tax measures discussed at the Fiji Medical Association conference. Fisheries Transparency: Fiji signs on to implement the Fisheries Transparency Initiative standard to improve access to fisheries data and strengthen accountability. Climate Finance for SMEs: Tower Insurance Fiji launches Fiji’s first climate risk parametric insurance for MSMEs, aiming for faster payouts after defined climate triggers. Digital Skills: Google Career Certificate scholarships will fund 1,000 Fijians in AI, cybersecurity and other job-ready digital skills. Business & Trade: Guangdong’s roadshow in Suva highlights a surge in China-Fiji trade and pushes for more investment and technology transfer. Electricity Regulation Review: Public Works begins a review of Fiji’s electricity laws to remove barriers for private investors and expand renewable energy participation. Fire & Retail Impact: A major fire destroys Max Value Supermarket in Tavua, with Courts Fiji also hit by smoke damage.

China–Pacific trade push: Guangdong’s products roadshow opened in Suva to deepen trade and investment links, with Fiji positioned as a gateway for Chinese firms; officials cited rising bilateral trade and a focus on smart manufacturing and green development. Agriculture for growth: PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged farmers to move from higher output to higher productivity, better technology, value addition and stronger returns, as Fiji targets a high-income future. Fisheries transparency: Fiji signed on to the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) to make fisheries data more accessible and improve stock management and fair access deals. SME climate resilience: Fiji launched its first climate risk parametric insurance for micro, small and medium businesses, aiming for faster payouts after defined climate triggers. Foreign service leadership: Solo Mara was appointed Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, with a three-week handover to keep Fiji’s diplomatic and trade agenda on track. Energy investment review: Fiji’s electricity laws are being reviewed to remove barriers for private investors and independent power producers, especially for renewables. Health policy debate: Fiji’s Finance Ministry says it will consider higher taxes on junk food, alcohol, tobacco and kava to ease non-communicable disease pressure, while hospital fee decisions remain unresolved. Business disruption: A major fire destroyed Tavua’s Max Value supermarket and damaged nearby Courts Fiji premises, raising concerns about shared-building fire risks. Digital skills push: Government will offer 1,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for AI, cybersecurity and data skills, including places for MSMEs and civil servants. Tourism investment: PSA Investments broke ground on a $60m Wyndham hotel development in Nadi, expected to create jobs and local procurement opportunities. Sports economy angle: Fijian Drua confirmed eight home games for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, boosting local match-day activity.

Fiji Rugby: Former international Andrew Durutalo has been appointed Head of Men’s High Performance, tasked with strengthening player pathways and retaining local talent as Fiji builds a more integrated high-performance system. Financial crime capacity: IRS-CI and JIATF West delivered Financial Investigative Techniques training in Suva, boosting Fiji’s ability to detect suspicious financial activity linked to illicit networks. Healthcare business: Pharmacist brothers Rajesh and Mitesh Thakorlal have rebranded their growing operation as Healthwise Pharmacy across five branches, aiming for consistent standards and wider access to medicines. Project delivery: The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management says it is tightening procurement and delivery processes with a $35.4m 2026-2027 allocation for 16 capital programmes. Local infrastructure: A Raiwaqa gas crematorium project is progressing, with a new gas-fired cremator being installed, tested and supported by technician training for local operations. Health warning: A researcher says Fiji is facing a “horrendously high” HIV impact on babies, with stigma and testing access still major hurdles. Business sustainability: Companies are ramping up sustainability efforts ahead of PMIBA 2026, as Investment Fiji reports strong interest despite global uncertainty. Road frustration: Uciwai residents in Nadi say repeated grading hasn’t fixed the need for a permanent tarsealed solution.

Rugby & Economy: South Africa’s Springboks surged to a record-high world ranking after a 3-1 series win over the All Blacks in Baltimore, lifting Fiji’s own ranking to 78.00 as the rivalry’s global draw keeps growing. Fiji Rugby High Performance: Fiji Rugby has appointed Andrew Durutalo as Head of Men’s High Performance, aiming to tighten the pathway from age-grade to national teams and build an internationally competitive system. Public Health: A health researcher warns Fiji babies are being lost to HIV-related complications at “horrendously high” rates, while eye specialists report more severe vision loss in younger patients linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and glaucoma. Youth & Governance: Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru rejects claims that youth grants are used for vote-buying, saying the funding is meant to build sustainable businesses and jobs. Business & Sustainability: Businesses are ramping up sustainability efforts ahead of PMIBA 2026, with companies like PAFCO and Food Processors Fiji highlighting market pressure for traceable, responsible production. Local Development: A $60m Nadi hotel project is underway, and a drive-through pharmacy has opened in Nasinu to improve access for elderly and disabled residents. Climate & Policy: Fiji says it will tighten oversight of climate adaptation funds, while COP31 priorities include fairer climate finance and putting oceans on the agenda. Security & Crime: Police have declared the girlfriend of a murdered Australian businessman a suspect in the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay case.