Govt working on solidifying Fiji as trade, investment, logistics, medical and tech hub of the Pacific - Kamikamica

Our prudent policies, pro-business approach and commitment to fiscal discipline have positioned Fiji very well to solidify its position as a trade, investment, aviation, logistics, education, medical and tech hub of the Pacific.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica stated this in response to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening address in Parliament saying they are not stopping there, as they are laying the architecture of a future economy that is stable, thriving, dynamic, broad-based with focus on the rural and iTaukei economies.

He says to secure Fiji's future, they must press forward with a clear vision in terms of re-engineering the economic architecture for our country.

The Deputy Prime Minister says to achieve this, his ministry operates under five core deliverables, economic diversification, ease of doing business, MSME and cooperatives, digital transformation and raising standards in Fiji.

He says for ICT, the entry of Google and Starlink are game changers in the economy.

Kamikamica says an independent report commissioned by Google states that the Google investment will generate $680 million between 2025 and 2030 and generate 3,600 jobs.

He says ANZ and Tower Insurance continue to grow their operations in Fiji while Lyndhurst Business Park will create on completion a potential 15,000 jobs over eight years.

The DPM says the BPO sector will continue to grow from strength to strength as at least four new BPO operations have opened in the last 18 months.

He says for commercial agriculture, they have been encouraging private sector players, both foreign and domestic, and local institutional investors.

Kamikamica says Fiji Water has announced its intent to invest in Fiji, identifying land in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu which will focus on citrus, mangoes, pawpaw and possibly watermelons.

He says FNPF and BSP Life now jointly own Rooster Chicken while Fijian Holdings is also looking at commercial agriculture with various partners.

The DPM says development of the medicinal cannabis industry and the nutraceutical industry is a key focus of this Government, and they have completed consultations and are now working on legislation to be finalised later this year.

He says at least two to three serious players have approached them.