Fiji is actively advancing its economic landscape with a portfolio of 212 investment projects valued at approximately $6.2 billion, currently at various developmental stages. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel reported to Parliament that of these, six significant projects worth $1.67 billion are already under construction. Meanwhile, an additional 73 projects, amounting to $2.3 billion, are progressing through pre-development phases, while 53 projects with a total estimated value of $2.2 billion remain in the planning stages.
These ambitious projects span across 14 critical sectors, including tourism, manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), energy, agriculture, transport, health, and education. Minister Immanuel emphasized that these investments will benefit Fijian workers, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are crucial to the nation’s economy. He underscored the government’s commitment to education and skills development, noting that a robust workforce will be essential to capitalize on the job opportunities created by these investments.
To boost skills in critical sectors, the government is significantly increasing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships, rising from 2,780 to 4,500. This educational push aims to equip Fijians with essential skills in sectors such as construction, tourism, ICT, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Moreover, the Macro Qualification Grant initiative will provide 3,000 awards for school dropouts and unemployed youth, facilitating access to short training programs.
In response to questions raised by Opposition MP Premila Kumar regarding the balance of local versus foreign investment funding in these projects, Immanuel assured that additional data would be made available to illustrate foreign investment interest in Fiji’s growing market.
The positive sentiment surrounding Fiji’s investment climate resonates with recent reports from Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who mentioned that improvements in the ease of doing business, highlighted by the forthcoming “BusinessNOW Fiji” digital platform, are set to further enhance investor confidence and streamline processes for project approvals. This platform is designed to integrate multiple government services, allowing investors to navigate the necessary procedures more efficiently.
The anticipation of increased investment, buoyed by proactive governmental measures and the projected growth in GDP, reflects a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s economy. This ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both local and international investments positions Fiji on a robust path toward sustainable economic growth and workforce empowerment.