FIJI has shifted its investment policy to a facilitative approach, aiming to boost the impact of investment on the economy and people.
By moving from a regulatory to a supportive approach, Investment Fiji aims to attract more investment while removing barriers to growth.
“522 projects were managed over the last three years, valued at $FJD8.7 billion,” said Kamal Chetty, Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer.
“Fiji is currently managing a significant portfolio of 212 investment projects, valued at approximately $6.2 billion, at various stages of development.”
“Of these, six projects are under construction, worth $1.67 billion; 73 projects in pre-development stages account for $2.3 billion; and 53 projects, with a projected value of $2.2 billion, are still in the planning phase.
Tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing have been identified as key sectors for growth, particularly through Australian investment by 2026.
Tourism remains a priority sector, supported by agriculture and manufacturing for supply chain security and cost efficiency, with Manufacturing focusing on outsourcing parts of Australian operations to Fiji, leveraging local skills and cost advantages.
Investment Fiji acts as a bridge between investors and the government, relaying challenges for resolution, and the ministry is developing an e-platform to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy for investors.
“Investment Fiji has improved transparency and reduced bureaucracy through a new facilitation committee and digital tools,” he said.
“The e-platform aims to increase transparency, speed up approvals, and eliminate corruption by moving processes online.
“These improvements will enhance investor confidence and speed up project starts.”
This approach shows a clear focus on making investment easier to attract and retain.
Chetty said an example includes a Sydney company exploring setting up a supply chain hub in Fiji to avoid global disruptions.
“These sectors are chosen for their potential to create jobs and stabilise regional trade links.
“Fiji’s strategic location and skills pool position it as a reliable partner for Australian businesses,” he said.
Investment Fiji is measuring the impact of foreign investment by tracking outcomes such as farmer income and job quality.
Agricultural projects, such as coffee farming, can raise farmers’ incomes from $1000 to $15,000, indicating significant improvements in their livelihoods.
He said the monitoring system looks beyond outputs to assess real improvements in skills and in access to technology.
“This outcome-focused approach ensures investments deliver tangible benefits to local communities and workers,’’ Chetty said.
“The measurement framework supports continuous improvement and accountability.”
Regional Collaboration and Digitalisation
Fiji is strengthening its role in the Pacific by leveraging regional partnerships and sharing investment promotion expertise.
Investment Fiji is focusing on deepening ties within the Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand for mutual growth.
Fiji aims to transfer skills and knowledge regionally, helping Pacific neighbours such as Tonga and PNG improve their investment climates.
This regional focus reduces reliance on distant markets and builds a cooperative economic zone.
Chetty emphasised that concentrating on the Pacific region creates stronger, complementary opportunities for all parties.
“Digitalisation is key to streamlining investment approvals and ensuring transparency across the region.
“Online systems eliminate physical queues and reduce corruption by making the process transparent and trackable.
“The move aligns with broader regional digital transformation goals and supports more integrated economic cooperation.”
He said Faster approvals also improve Fiji’s competitive position against other regional investment destinations.
Fiji Diaspora Engagement
The diaspora is recognised as a vital source of investment and economic activity, with efforts to ease their engagement and expand their impact.
Diaspora investors are a strategic priority, and initiatives are underway to simplify their entry and investment processes in Fiji.
Investment Fiji has conducted outreach in Australia, Canada, and the US to involve diaspora communities.
The government recently cut passport fees for diaspora communities and is considering waiving them to encourage greater involvement.
Efforts aim to allow diasporas to open bank accounts and start businesses more easily, removing bureaucratic hurdles.
These steps aim to tap into the diaspora’s capital, skills, and networks to support Fiji’s growth.
Chetty added that Diaspora contributions already generate significant economic activity, with remittances totalling $1.4 billion, and are seen as a “hidden gem” for expansion.
“Sports tourism opportunities also arise from diaspora figures abroad, offering niche growth paths.
He said recognising and supporting diaspora investors strengthens Fiji’s investment ecosystem and diversifies funding sources, blending economic and cultural ties for long-term growth.
Investment Pipeline
The government and private sector anticipate a significant influx of investment from now until the early 2030s, amounting to hundreds of millions to low billions of FJD in new business, infrastructure, and development projects.
Strategic government initiatives strongly drive the current investment landscape. Numerous investment strategies and incentives are firmly embedded in official budgets, reforms aimed at digitalising business services, tax regulations, and impactful partnerships, such as the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
This solid framework guarantees that even with potential leadership changes, the robust support for investment will remain intact.
With $6.2 billion in projects already advancing, there’s undeniable momentum, ensuring these initiatives will continue to make a significant impact.