Fiji is set to become a pivotal center for cooperative training in the Pacific, following productive discussions with the Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IDACA). During significant meetings in Tokyo, IDACA recognized Fiji’s strategic advantages and potential to lead cooperative development across the region. IDACA, with a strong history of training over 6,900 cooperative leaders across Asia and the Pacific for more than six decades, sees Fiji as a future center of excellence in the sector.
Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, the discussions focused on capitalizing on Fiji’s strategic location and thriving cooperative movement. Kamikamica emphasized that establishing Fiji as a hub would stimulate regional growth, particularly by enhancing the involvement of youth and women. This initiative would also encourage innovative progress in digitalization, marketing, and packaging, solidifying Fiji’s leadership role in the region.
The talks also explored the possibility of creating a formal Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen this cooperation, aiming to increase community resilience through inclusive economic development. Both Fiji and Japan reiterated their commitment to deepening collaboration in the cooperative sector to support sustainable agricultural development throughout the Pacific.
Fiji’s cooperative landscape is diverse, with over 700 registered cooperatives across various sectors, managing assets totaling $151 million, and playing a crucial role in the national economy with around 40,000 members. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and other officials have acknowledged the significant impact of cooperatives on community resilience and socio-economic progress, consistent with Fiji’s values of unity and collaboration.
The continuous expansion and diversification of Fiji’s cooperative sector, along with government initiatives like digital transparency platforms and the Cooperative Development Fund, herald a promising future for sustainable economic development. This new role as a training hub complements Fiji’s existing strengths and aspirations, providing opportunities for regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
This initiative not only positions Fiji at the forefront of cooperative training but also highlights its dedication to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across the Pacific, marking a hopeful and positive stride towards economic resilience and innovation.