Fiji is poised to become a central hub for cooperative training in the Pacific following strategic discussions with the Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IDACA). During high-level talks in Tokyo, IDACA recognized Fiji’s advantageous position to spearhead cooperative development in the region. With a strong track record of training over 6,900 cooperative leaders throughout Asia and the Pacific over 62 years, IDACA views Fiji as having the potential to evolve into a center of excellence for the cooperative sector.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, led the discussions, which centered on leveraging Fiji’s strategic location and burgeoning cooperative movement. Kamikamica noted that establishing Fiji as a hub would drive regional growth, especially by boosting youth and women’s participation. It will also foster innovative developments in areas like digitalization, marketing, and packaging, reinforcing Fiji’s role as a regional leader.
The discussions highlighted the possibility of drafting a formal Memorandum of Understanding to cement this cooperation, aiming to bolster community resilience through inclusive economic development. Both Fiji and Japan have reinforced their commitment to expanding collaboration in the cooperative sector to support sustainable agricultural development across the Pacific.
This development ties into Fiji’s cooperative landscape, which includes over 700 registered cooperatives spanning various sectors, managing assets worth $151 million, and generating substantial revenue. This expansive network supports approximately 40,000 members, emphasizing its vital role in the national economy. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and other officials have recognized the significant participation of cooperatives in community resilience and socio-economic development, aligning with Fiji’s traditional values of unity and collaboration.
The ongoing growth and diversification of Fiji’s cooperative sector, alongside government initiatives such as digital platforms for increased transparency and the Cooperative Development Fund, signal a bright future for sustainable economic development. This new role as a training hub marries perfectly with Fiji’s existing strengths and goals, offering opportunities for regional collaboration and shared success.
This plan not only places Fiji at the forefront of cooperative training but also underlines its commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth throughout the Pacific region, presenting a hopeful and positive step towards economic resilience and innovation.