VISA has launched its Pacific Islands Regional Office in Suva, signalling Fiji’s commitment to strengthening regional economic ties and enhancing digital payment solutions for both businesses and consumers.
“The Pacific Islands are at the forefront of an exciting transformation, with innovation and growth rapidly shaping the digital payments landscape,” said Anthony Watson, Country Manager for New Zealand and Pacific Islands at Visa.
“We’re proud to play a role in this moment, working alongside local businesses to unlock new opportunities that foster sustainable economic growth across the region.”
With increasing internet access and smartphone use reshaping the region’s financial services landscape, the hub is strategically positioned to serve Fiji and the wider Pacific as a centre for digital financial innovation.
The hub will also strengthen the cross-border payments landscape, deepening ties and presence in the global market and unlocking substantial growth and business opportunities.
Visa has been collaborating with several partners in the Pacific Islands, including Good Return, to promote the adoption of secure, convenient, and reliable payment solutions through financial education.
The Visa x Good Return initiative training has resulted in significant improvements in financial capability (scores rising from 6.1 to 7.6 out of 10) and a boost in trust for mobile payments (62 per cent to 96 per cent after the training).
“We welcome the new Visa office and the commitment to strengthen Fiji’s payments landscape, empower local industry, and enable seamless experiences for visitors and locals alike,” said Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation.
“I look forward to seeing how this regional hub will further accelerate the momentum we’re seeing across the country, and how new opportunities for innovation will further support economic growth and prosperity.”
The new office in Fiji will further enhance these efforts and reinforce Visa’s ongoing commitment to Fiji and the Pacific by providing on-ground support and expertise.
Visa is a world-leading digital payments network that connects consumers, businesses, banks, and governments, enabling secure, easy transactions.
Operating in over 200 countries and territories, Visa facilitates digital payments rather than cash, ensuring payments are fast, safe, and reliable.
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in the United States, Visa has long been committed to supporting digital payments and financial inclusion, particularly in the Pacific Islands.
By enabling payments through cards, phones, or computers, Visa continues to pave the way for a future where cashless transactions are the norm, supported by a rich history of innovation and collaboration that has established it as one of the largest payment networks in the world.