The Fiji Government has officially launched the National E-Commerce Strategy 2025-2029, aimed at transforming Fiji’s economy by embracing digital trade.
In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica emphasised the initiative’s strategic importance. “Today, we take a bold step into the future, where our Fijian-made products can reach global markets faster and more efficiently,” he said. The five-year strategy aims to empower businesses, create jobs, and position Fiji as a regional hub for digital trade.
“This strategy will unlock new opportunities for Fijian entrepreneurs, particularly in the MSME sector,” he added.
Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025-2029 prioritises productive sector growth, MSME development, and export competitiveness. Kamikamica explained that e-commerce will be pivotal in helping Fijian businesses expand beyond national borders and access global markets.
He also highlighted the strategy’s potential to promote greater gender inclusivity, especially for women entrepreneurs, by enabling them to reach international customers without needing physical storefronts.
“There are also significant risks associated with the growing reliance on digital transactions, such as fraud and cybersecurity threats. Strengthening cyber laws and consumer protection frameworks will be critical to maintaining trust in e-commerce,” he noted.
Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali emphasised the urgency of integrating Fiji into the global digital marketplace. He pointed out the rapid growth of e-commerce globally, which is expanding at a rate of 8.5% annually.
“We cannot afford to be left behind,” Ali said, urging tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing businesses to embrace digital trade and compete globally.
He also emphasised the importance of building secure digital payment systems and improving logistics to overcome challenges like high shipping costs and unreliable delivery networks.
The strategy aims to address these challenges through partnerships with financial institutions and logistics providers and the strengthening of cybersecurity frameworks to ensure consumer confidence in digital transactions.
Ali also mentioned the establishment of a National E-Commerce Committee to coordinate efforts and monitor progress in implementing the strategy.
The minister concluded the event by calling for collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, and development partners to realise the vision.
