Westpac has launched an ambitious plan to make its largest investment in the Pacific region in over a decade, primarily focusing on enhancing its operations in Fiji throughout the 2026 financial year. This significant announcement was made during a recent official visit to Australia by the Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, where he met with Westpac Group executives, including Paul Fowler, who heads the bank’s Business & Wealth division.
The bank aims to undertake major upgrades to its core banking systems within the next 12 to 18 months, an initiative anticipated to significantly enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This move aligns with Westpac’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, positioning the bank as a crucial development partner in the Pacific region.
Moreover, Westpac has expressed interest in backing large-scale commercial agriculture projects, particularly focusing on the revitalization of the beef and dairy sectors. This endeavor aims to promote import replacement and expand export possibilities for Fiji. The bank acknowledged the country’s evolving role as a digital hub, supported by improved connectivity and favorable incentives for information and communications technology (ICT), which facilitate opportunities in business process outsourcing (BPO) and cybersecurity services.
Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica welcomed Westpac’s renewed commitment to Fiji, highlighting the significance of partnerships that align with the country’s vision for development centered on inclusive growth and sustainability. He commended Westpac’s confidence in Fiji’s economic prospects and reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering an environment that attracts private sector investment.
This substantial investment represents a hopeful milestone for Fiji, heralding potential advancements that could drive economic development, enhance technological adoption, and bolster local partnerships in agriculture and other sectors. With Westpac’s commitment, the outlook for Fiji’s economy appears promising as it embraces evolving opportunities in both traditional and digital markets.