New Programme gives Fijian Agri-Food businesses a pathway to Australia

The collaboration was confirmed today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Suva to jointly deliver an Agri-Food Manufacturing SME Export Accelerator Programme.

The Fiji Australia Business Council says the initiative will support high-potential Fijian businesses to overcome market-entry barriers and successfully expand into the Australian market, adding that the accelerator will provide tailored learning modules delivered through a mix of self-paced online content, interactive webinars and in-person workshops.

Participating SMEs will also receive targeted coaching and access to specialised regional and Australian technical expertise.

Between six and ten SMEs are expected to participate in the first cohort.

FABC President Himen Chandra says the partnership responds to a timely opportunity to strengthen Fiji’s export sector, adding that Fiji’s agri-food manufacturers have significant potential to compete internationally, but many continue to face challenges related to compliance, packaging, logistics and market access.

Chandra adds that the initiative directly supports their strategic priorities, with strengthening SME capability, promoting trade, and deepening commercial ties between Fiji and Australia central to the organisation’s mission.

He says the accelerator translates these priorities into real action, delivering measurable outcomes for local businesses.

Meanwhile, Market Development Facility Fiji Country Director Kelera Cavuilati says that through this accelerator, MDF is supporting FABC to provide Fijian agri-food manufacturers with practical, structured and hands-on support, as well as Australian market insights, through FABC’s strong Fiji–Australia business networks.

She adds that successful exports mean stronger businesses, new jobs and more resilient value chains in Fiji’s manufacturing sector, stressing that this is the long-term outcome the programme aims to achieve.

Cavuilati also says the programme will be delivered in close collaboration with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), utilising its established Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE) model to ensure strong industry engagement and private-sector leadership.

FABC says participants will benefit from a comprehensive package of support covering export compliance, quality standards, product development, branding, logistics and market-entry strategies, helping them build sustainable pathways into the Australian market.

Both organisations emphasised that the partnership aims to strengthen commercial linkages between Fiji and Australia, increase export sales, and contribute to the competitiveness and growth of Fiji’s agri-food manufacturing sector.

Applications for the inaugural accelerator cohort are expected to open in the coming weeks.