AGP Executive Report

Elections Funding: Fiji has budgeted $58.06m for the 2026-27 general election, a possible referendum and Elections Office operations, with voter verification updates due next month. Youth & Jobs: Kadavu leaders warn youth are leaving for urban work and overseas labour mobility, pushing the province to expand agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism jobs. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council is warning shoppers after 35 complaints about online sellers allegedly taking full payment via social media but not delivering goods or refunds. Tourism Surge: Fiji recorded 98,522 visitor arrivals in June, the highest-ever for the month, led by Australia and supported by new resorts and routes. Climate Finance for MSMEs: AIIB approved US$80m for Fiji’s economic resilience and climate/disaster preparedness, while Tower Insurance launched Fiji’s first climate risk parametric insurance for MSMEs. Trade & Tariffs: Fiji says exports to the US are not affected by new US tariff measures, with duties reverting to pre-reciprocal rates. Infrastructure Push: Designs for 11 critical bridges are done, with contracts for four major projects expected to be signed soon. Public Safety & Drugs: Kadavu chiefs want stronger police action as marijuana cultivation and meth concerns grow, while Fiji’s police and RFMF say joint deployments are reserved for national-interest cases. Ports & Theft: Police are investigating alleged theft of nearly $500,000 in imported kava from Suva port containers.

AIIB Financing: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved US$80m (FJ$178m) for Fiji to boost economic resilience, climate and disaster preparedness, alongside World Bank budget support and private-sector reforms. Climate Risk Insurance: Tower Insurance launched Fiji’s first climate risk parametric insurance for MSMEs, with fast payouts after climate disasters—already tested in Kadavu. Tourism Surge: Fiji hit a record 98,522 visitor arrivals in June, led by Australia, as new resorts and routes lift demand. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Council flagged 35 complaints tied to four online platforms, warning shoppers to verify sellers and avoid paying upfront without clear delivery/refund terms; it also reported 234 food and beverage complaints this year. Port & Security: Police and Fiji Ports investigations continue after alleged vandalism of imported vehicles at Suva Wharf, and separate probes into alleged theft of nearly $500,000 in imported kava. Business Transparency: Fiji plans a central register of beneficial owners via a Tax Bill amendment to strengthen company ownership transparency. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Fiji and Neoteric advanced a solar-plus-battery project, while bridge designs are complete for 11 critical crossings with four contracts due soon.

Infrastructure & Connectivity: Fiji’s Critical Bridges Resilience Programme is moving fast, with designs for 11 bridges done and contracts for four key bridges (Lami, Medrekutu, Sabeto, Lomaloma) expected to be signed within two months, while more projects progress toward tenders. Public Sector Pay Reform: Corrections officers’ pay will shift to rank-based rates from job descriptions to fix long-standing salary gaps, with $64.7m allocated for the service. Climate & Insurance: Tower Insurance has paid Fiji’s first parametric rainfall payouts—$27,050 to 278 Kadavu families—triggered automatically when rainfall thresholds are met, with a nationwide rollout planned next month. Renewables & Energy Security: Energy Fiji Limited and Neoteric are set to develop a Ba solar-plus-battery project that could add 100MW, with a Power Purchase Agreement targeted within six months. Agriculture & Food Security: Taiwan Technical Mission says Fiji must commercialise farming to cut food imports, while Labasa cane farmers push for Sunday crushing to match favourable weather; FSC says it’s on track for export quotas despite early crushing delays. Trade & Investment: Fiji and New Zealand have renewed the Duavata Partnership (2026-2030) to deepen trade and investment alongside security, governance and climate resilience, and Fiji Investment Corporation is partnering with Australia’s Market Development Facility to help MSMEs access loans and advice. Digital Connectivity: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30-31) to boost regional digital infrastructure for an AI-driven economy. Consumer & Business Risks: The Consumer Council flags a review of scam legislation and the Consumer Credit Act as online commerce grows, while lodging house fire safety rules are urged after rising fatal fires. Regional Geopolitics: China’s submarine-launched missile test into the South Pacific has drawn Pacific disapproval, adding to already tense South China Sea patrol developments.

AIIB Financing for Fiji: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will provide Fiji with US$80m in sovereign-backed support to boost economic resilience and climate/disaster preparedness, co-financed with the World Bank alongside US$230m fast-disbursing budget support tied to reforms for private-sector growth. Fiji–New Zealand Trade Reset: Fiji and New Zealand have renewed the five-year Duavata Partnership (2026–2030) to deepen trade, investment and cooperation across resilience, governance, security, social wellbeing and climate. MSME Finance Push: Fiji Investment Corporation and Australia’s Market Development Facility are partnering to help close a US$2.2b MSME financing gap by offering advice and support so more businesses can secure loans. Consumer Protection & Scams: Fiji’s Consumer Council says consumer protection laws need updating for online risks, with scam legislation under review and a push for stronger credit rules. Tax Recovery Powers: Proposed amendments would give the FRCS more power to recover unpaid taxes by allowing property sales with taxpayer consent, aiming to speed up recovery and cut legal costs. Sugar Sector Watch: FSC says it’s on track for its export quota; 82% of northern cane farmers have signed harvesting agreements, easing boycott fears. Agribusiness Export Dispute: Vegetable exporters allege Fiji’s HTFA treatment facility is damaging produce, driving major losses and customer concerns. Telecoms & Connectivity: Telecom Fiji will host the Pacific Fibre Conference (July 30–31) to shape digital infrastructure investment for an AI-driven economy. Elder Abuse Response: A Lautoka roundtable is tackling a sharp rise in elder financial exploitation, focusing on practical protections and the draft National Ageing Policy. Disaster Resilience: Viria Village in Naitasiri is getting a $1.6m evacuation centre to strengthen safety during disasters and recognise its role in water security infrastructure.

AIIB Financing: Fiji has secured US$80m (FJ$179m) in sovereign-backed support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, co-financed with the World Bank, to strengthen economic resilience and climate/disaster preparedness, with a wider US$230m fast-disbursing budget support package tied to reforms for private-sector growth. Disaster Resilience: Viria Village has started work on a $1.6m evacuation centre, a double-storey facility designed for emergencies and community use, with Government linking it to landowners’ support for major infrastructure. Consumer Pressure & Scams: The Consumer Council warns families are under strain from rising prices and living costs, while the Consumer Council has also launched a nationwide National Scams Awareness Week to push safer digital habits and faster scam reporting. Trade Push: Fiji and New Zealand are aiming to lift bilateral trade to $2b, building on the renewed Duavata Partnership Agreement that sets cooperation priorities for the next five years. Fisheries & Blue Economy: Fiji is expanding offshore fisheries monitoring with an electronic monitoring system, and IFAD has launched the US$25m Be-Green programme in Cakaudrove to boost rural livelihoods, climate-resilient farming and market access. Business & Governance: Telecom Fiji renewed its platinum sponsorship of TOPEX 2026, while the High Court rejected a bid to permanently halt a FICAC case involving alleged bribery by a former Vodafone Fiji employee. SME Spotlight: Fiji Development Bank’s National SME Awards crowned House of Salt National SME of the Year and highlighted standout agri and maritime businesses.

Suva Harbour Cleanup: Work is set to begin on removing the first three of 17 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour under the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund, with Fiji Ports Corporation Limited leading operations and scuttling only after strict environmental and safety checks. Northern Business Expansion: FMF is expanding in Labasa with a new warehouse and electric vehicle showroom in Wailevu to ease stock shortages and let customers test EVs locally. Fisheries Upgrades & Monitoring: A $324,000 upgrade has been completed at Lekutu Fisheries Quarters in Bua, while Fiji also moves ahead with an electronic monitoring system for offshore fishing and a new National MCS Strategy to tackle illegal fishing. Climate & Resilience Finance: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved US$80m to support Fiji’s economic resilience, climate and disaster preparedness, alongside reforms to boost private sector growth. Cost of Living Pressure: The Consumer Council warns families are struggling with rising prices and living costs, urging stronger consumer protection and targeted support. Security Sector Reform: Government plans to review the Security Industry Act to modernise licensing, enforcement and crack down on illegal operators. Trade & Exports: Fiji’s domestic exports to the US jumped 70.4% in May, with gains in aircraft and ships’ stores, mineral water and mahogany, while exports to China also surged. Agriculture as a Business: A former LDS missionary urges young Fijians to treat agriculture as a business opportunity, pointing to demand for premium products in the US. Commonwealth Games Focus: Fiji’s lawn bowls and boxing teams are pushing for medals in Glasgow, with bowlers and boxers advancing in their early rounds.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says Fiji is pushing an “arc of cooperation” with Pacific partners, renewing the Duavata Partnership with New Zealand and discussing shared security initiatives like the Ocean of Peace Alliance. Business Leadership & Costs: TOPEX 2026 is set to bring business and government together to tackle Fiji’s high cost of doing business, skills shortages and low productivity, with Telecom Fiji again backing the conference as platinum sponsor. Fisheries & Infrastructure: A $324,453 upgrade at Lekutu Fisheries Quarters in Bua will improve facilities and working conditions, while Fiji also completes the first phase of electronic monitoring for offshore fishing and plans to expand it with an extra $515,000. Household Pressure: The Consumer Council warns families are struggling with rising prices and living costs, citing global pressures including Middle East tensions and calling for stronger, targeted support. Fiji’s Economy Financing: Government secured a $178m AIIB loan as part of a wider $512m World Bank package to strengthen disaster preparedness, public finances and private sector growth, including digital payments for low-risk tourism businesses. SME Spotlight: House of Salt won National SME of the Year at the Fiji Development Bank awards, with other category winners including Delaivuna Farm Fresh Eggs and Sahil’s Party Ice and Frozen Supplies. Rural Livelihoods: IFAD’s Be-Green $25m programme launches in Cakaudrove to boost climate-resilient agriculture and rural incomes, alongside a $1.6m evacuation centre project in Viria Village. Governance & Courts: The Suva High Court dismissed a former Vodafone Fiji employee’s bid to permanently halt FICAC criminal proceedings over alleged bribery and financial advantage charges.

Climate & Law: Vanuatu’s push for the UN’s top court (ICJ) to clarify governments’ duties to protect people from climate harm has surged, with 86 countries backing a resolution ahead of a mid-December UN vote. SME & Jobs: Fiji Development Bank’s National SME Awards crowned House of Salt as 2025 National SME of the Year and Krisneel Deo (Delaivuna Farm Fresh Eggs) as Best Maritime SME, highlighting innovation across agriculture and maritime-linked businesses. Cost of Living: The Consumer Council warns families are feeling rising prices and global tensions, calling for more targeted food subsidies and stronger consumer protection. Fisheries & Monitoring: Fiji has completed the first phase of electronic monitoring for offshore fishing, installing cameras on selected vessels and training analysts, with further funding to expand the system. Agriculture & Rural Resilience: IFAD’s US$25m Be-Green programme was launched in Cakaudrove, aiming to boost small farmers’ incomes and climate-resilient production; PM Rabuka also rejected claims of provincial favouritism, pointing to shared rural road challenges nationwide. Public Finance & Reform: Fiji secured a US$178m AIIB loan as part of a wider World Bank-backed reform package to strengthen disaster preparedness, public finances, and private-sector growth. Business Events: Telecom Fiji renewed its Platinum sponsorship of TOPEX 2026, backing a major business leadership forum for digital and innovation-focused dialogue. Governance & Courts: The High Court rejected Rajneal Rakesh Kumar’s bid to permanently halt FICAC criminal proceedings, ordering him to pay costs. Community & Health: Diabetes Fiji received an $11,000 donation from IHG Fiji Hotels & Resorts to support screenings and diabetes education through community programmes. Infrastructure & Safety: A Suva footpath obstruction from an asphalt milling machine has prompted safety concerns, with the Suva City Council sending a team to assess and address it.

Telecom Fiji & TOPEX 2026: Telecom Fiji has renewed its Platinum sponsorship of the Top Executive Conference (TOPEX), backing business leadership, innovation and digital transformation through a long-running partnership with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation. Sugar sector reform: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says privatising the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) remains an option, but the priority is treating FSC as a strategic national asset while reforms aim to restore performance after the state-owned firm was described as insolvent. Public finance & resilience: Fiji secured a $178m loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, part of a wider $512m World Bank package, to strengthen disaster preparedness, public finances and support small businesses, including digital payments and simpler rules for low-risk tourism operators. Climate diplomacy: Pacific leaders are preparing a united position for Fiji’s Pre-COP31 (5–8 October), pushing for oceans in UN climate talks and using the ICJ climate advisory opinion as the legal foundation for negotiations. Infrastructure push: A $300m China-funded road upgrade for Vanua Levu is set to break ground before year-end, alongside upgrades to jetties and major road works to improve safety and connectivity. Consumer & business environment: The Consumer Council of Fiji reports 263 landlord/tenancy complaints in the first half of 2026, with disputes over repairs, bond refunds and maintenance still driving issues. Local livelihoods: A new fibreglass boat and outboard engine worth over $19,000 under the SEA programme will support more than 55 villagers in Qaranivai with fishing income and better access to services. Sports & community: The Fijian Drua women host their first-ever Super Rugby Women’s home final in Ba, while the CFL Gratitude Concert returns with a full line-up and Suva’s Constitution Avenue set for a temporary closure.

Climate & COP31 push: Save the Children NZ says a year after the ICJ confirmed countries’ binding duty to protect the climate, Pacific children are still facing daily disruption to education and wellbeing. Finance for resilience: Fiji secured a $178m AIIB loan (part of a $512m World Bank-linked package) to cut disaster-driven financial pressure, strengthen public financial systems, and support small businesses and low-risk tourism with simpler requirements and more digital payments. Regional negotiating agenda: Pacific climate ministers met in Sydney to align a united agenda for Pre-COP31 in Nadi (Oct 5–8), using the ICJ advisory opinion as the legal foundation, with oceans, climate finance and the 1.5°C limit front and centre. Infrastructure & livelihoods: A $300m China-funded road upgrade for Vanua Levu is set to break ground before year-end, alongside jetty upgrades; in Macuata, a new fibreglass boat and outboard engine for Qaranivai is expected to boost fishing income for 55+ villagers. Business & consumer impacts: Telecom Fiji reaffirmed Platinum support for TOPEX 2026; the Consumer Council says landlord/tenancy disputes remain the biggest source of complaints (263 cases to June 13). Health & community: Diabetes Fiji received an $11,000 donation from FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels & Resorts for screenings and education, while a Suva wellness centre opens to tackle Fiji’s NCD burden.

Sugar overhaul: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji needs major, long-term reforms to revive the sugar industry, including large-scale farming plus mechanised cultivation and harvesting, while admitting mills are lagging on upgrades. Cane crunch: The Fiji Sugar Corporation, Sugar Cane Growers Council and Sugar Industry Tribunal warn Lautoka Sugar Mill is short of cane (needs about 5,000–5,500 tonnes daily; deliveries are under 2,800) and urge growers and transport operators to boost deliveries over the next 10 days. MSME tax support: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service steps up MSME tax compliance with bookkeeping and financial management training, helping small businesses keep records, lodge returns and qualify for loans. Climate and environment: Fiji has started work on its 2026 State of the Environment Report as a “report card” on forests, reefs, waste, climate impacts and more, while Pacific climate ministers push a united COP31 position. COP31 action on waste: Return and Earn highlights its beverage container recycling push, citing 7.5 million containers collected in the first six months. Regional partnerships: Fiji eyes Israel for agriculture, water and renewable energy know-how, and Fiji also strengthens MSME-focused financial capability as it prepares for COP31. Scams crackdown: UN warns Pacific scam networks are evolving into interconnected criminal “franchises,” targeting weaker enforcement areas including Pacific islands.

Sugar Supply Crunch: Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Sugar Industry Tribunal say Lautoka Mill needs about 5,000–5,500 tonnes of cane daily but deliveries are under 2,800 tonnes, urging growers and transporters to boost harvesting and deliveries over the next 10 days. Workforce Pressure in Sugar: The Sugar Cane Growers Council warns labour shortages and higher manual harvesting costs are squeezing cane growers, with delays pushing workers into other jobs. Competition & Compliance: The Fiji Commerce and Consumer Commission warns businesses against rationing or limiting sugar purchases, saying retailers must supply the quantity customers request if payment is correct and stock is available. Education Costs Hit Higher Learning: At USP, students and lecturers say rising living costs are forcing students to skip meals or walk to campus, undermining academic performance as SDG4 progress is reported to have gone backwards. Scam Threat Escalates: UNODC warns Pacific countries are increasingly targeted by scam networks using tech and AI, with losses in the Asia-Pacific estimated at up to US$114.1b in 2025. Digital Inclusion Push: Tonga’s TNU and Christ’s University in the Pacific join a regional Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge in PNG, aiming to build practical solutions for cybersecurity and digital financial access. Governance & Accountability: PM Sitiveni Rabuka says the COI report doesn’t need to be tabled in Parliament, but only COI expenditure will be presented, with follow-up actions handled by OPM, DPP, FICAC and police. Public Service After Coups: A TRC discussion highlights how coups have eroded public service independence, creating a culture of fear and weakening service quality in health and education. Security Cooperation: New Zealand and PNG sign a defence cooperation deal for 2026–2029, expanding training, exercises and personnel exchanges as Pacific security competition intensifies. Real Estate Skills: Fiji National University and the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board sign an MoU to build a professional real estate education programme and continuing professional development system.

RSE Worker Rights: Fiji’s RSE liaison Greg Traill says misconceptions about the New Zealand scheme are driving confusion over worker rights, health and contract length, but reports positive feedback from employers and about 460 workers so far, with numbers expected to rise to around 1,000 over summer. Maritime Supply Fix: Government is reviewing Fiji’s maritime shipping system after outer-island shortages, including options to turn Government Shipping Services into a state-owned enterprise and tighten rules to prevent route monopolies. Sugar Crunch: Labour shortages are hitting Lautoka Sugar Mill hard, with cane deliveries far below what’s needed and only a fraction of harvesting gangs operating, adding pressure to the current sugar shortage. Scams & Online Safety: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission welcomes Meta’s crackdown on fake accounts and sextortion, while the Consumer Council pushes stronger “national defence” systems beyond awareness. Climate Unity for COP31: Pacific climate ministers back speaking “with one voice” ahead of COP31, with Fiji’s Minister Lynda Tabuya coordinating Pre-COP planning and bilateral climate talks. Child Protection Alarm: Salvation Army warns drug traffickers are exploiting children as young as seven, including recruiting street children to sell or transport drugs. Fiji Business & Cargo Security: A Suva wharf incident has prompted a police complaint after imported vehicles were found deliberately scratched, with the dealer seeking CCTV and shipping records. Regional Security: China’s missile test near Tuvalu continues to strain Pacific unity, with analysts pointing to differing ties and interests.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Quad foreign ministers (India, US, Australia, Japan) met in Manila, reaffirming a free and open Indo-Pacific and ASEAN centrality as regional tensions with China stay in focus. Climate Prep & Finance: Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya held bilateral talks with Australia’s Chris Bowen and Pacific COP31 envoys ahead of the Nadi Pre-COP and Third Climate Ministerial, pushing a united Pacific agenda for COP31. Sugar Supply Crunch: Labour shortages at Lautoka Sugar Mill are cutting cane deliveries to about 2,500 tonnes/day (well below needs), with only 28% of harvesting gangs active—adding pressure to Fiji’s sugar situation. Scams & Online Safety: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission welcomed Meta’s crackdown on fake accounts and sextortion, while the Consumer Council urged stronger “national defence” systems beyond awareness. Consumer Protection: FCCC warned businesses against greenwashing claims, saying “eco-friendly” marketing must be accurate and verifiable. Business & Trade Security: A Suva wharf vehicle importer (Jason Auto & More) is seeking police investigation after four imported cars arrived with deliberate scratches. Public Infrastructure: Suva’s Ratu Sukuna Road and Extension Street link were launched with a reduced budget and safety-first upgrades. Entrepreneurship: BSP Fiji THRIVE passed 200 entrepreneur graduates, with the latest cohort in Sigatoka. Governance & Accountability: FICAC discontinued its criminal case against former DPP Christopher Pryde after he evaded service.

Road & Safety: Fiji has launched the $28.2m Ratu Sukuna Road Upgrade and the Extension Street Road Link to Brown Street in Suva, cutting costs from the original design while prioritising drainage, safer crossings, pedestrian footpaths and traffic management to reduce congestion and flooding. Climate Diplomacy: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya is in talks with Australia and Pacific COP31 envoys as Fiji prepares to host the Third Climate Ministerial and Pacific Pre-COP in Nadi in October, aiming to keep 1.5°C and ocean-climate priorities front and centre. Indigenous Tourism Funding: Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA) is gearing up for the Viti Reggae Concert (Oct 8–10) to support 248 Indigenous communities with sustainable, income-generating tourism projects. SME & Banking: BSP’s Thrive program has now passed 200 business graduates, with the latest cohort of 27 entrepreneurs in Sigatoka completing mentoring and workshops. Sugar Supply: Fiji Sugar Corporation says sugar supplies are steadily improving after a delayed 2026 crushing start, with mills operating and stocks gradually returning to supermarket shelves, supported by rationing and imports. Consumer Protection: The FCCC is investigating Taveuni’s school bus suspension over a fare dispute, while standby transport was deployed and services are set to resume as exams begin. Digital Payments: Vodafone Fiji rejects claims of hidden M-PAiSA charges, saying fees are publicly disclosed and outlining the current transfer and withdrawal tariff structure. Fuel Cost Risk: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel warns fuel prices could rise again within a month as Middle East tensions push oil above US$80 a barrel, feeding into Fiji’s import-linked costs.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: The Pacific Conference of Churches warns leaders not to let Fiji’s and the region’s “Ocean of Peace” vision be overtaken by military interests, pointing to defence provisions in the Fiji–Australia Veitacini Treaty. Court & Crime: A Tamavua-based manager accused of importing cocaine from Brazil gets a bail extension as his case heads toward a pre-trial conference. Consumer Protection: The FCCC moves against Taveuni bus service suspension, investigating whether the island’s only scheduled operator breached consumer laws during the exam period. Sugar Supply Watch: Fiji Sugar Corporation says sugar is gradually returning to supermarket shelves as mills resume crushing and retailers replenish stock, while the Sugar Industry Ministry admits it lacks a system to track supermarket bulk inventory. Cost Pressures: Fiji’s fuel-linked costs may rise again as Middle East tensions push oil above US$80 a barrel, with shipping firms also citing higher fuel for freight adjustments. Digital Finance & Scams: Vodafone Fiji rejects claims of hidden M-PAiSA charges, while Police report $1.3m lost to scams since 2017 and call for a whole-of-nation defence against fraud. Diaspora & Investment: Fiji finalises a diaspora policy aimed at keeping citizens abroad engaged in economic development, and business leaders urge investor confidence through stronger policies and infrastructure.