Westpac has announced plans to make its largest investment in the Pacific region in over a decade, focusing on enhancing its operations in Fiji during the 2026 financial year. This significant move was communicated to Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica during his recent official visit to Australia, where he engaged with Westpac Group executives, including Paul Fowler, the head of Business & Wealth.
The bank aims to implement substantial upgrades to its core banking systems over the next 12 to 18 months, which are expected to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Westpac’s initiative reflects its long-term strategy to solidify its presence in Fiji and Papua New Guinea, positioning itself as a vital development partner in the Pacific.
Additionally, Westpac expressed interest in supporting large-scale commercial agriculture projects, particularly in beef and dairy revitalization, to promote import replacement and expand export potential. The bank acknowledged Fiji’s growing role as a digital hub, facilitated by improved connectivity and favorable information and communications technology (ICT) incentives, which open avenues for business process outsourcing (BPO) and cybersecurity services.
Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica welcomed Westpac’s renewed focus on Fiji and underscored the significance of partnerships that align with the country’s development vision, centered on inclusive growth and sustainability. He praised Westpac’s confidence in Fiji’s economy and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to private sector investment.
This investment marks a hopeful milestone for Fiji, promising advancements that could boost economic development, enhance technology adoption, and reinforce local partnerships in agriculture and beyond. With Westpac’s commitment, the outlook for Fiji’s economy appears strong as it embraces evolving opportunities in both traditional and digital sectors.