AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Waste: Plastic found at every stop on Fiji’s coast during a cleanup campaign highlights weak waste systems and risks to the beaches and marine life that attract visitors. Fisheries: El Niño could shift tuna grounds and fishing activity across the Pacific into 2027, while a regional report warns criminal networks are exploiting tuna shipments to smuggle cocaine. Kava Industry: Farmers and vendors in Labasa say they had little notice of consultations on the proposed Kava Bill; some support licensing, but want the industry’s operators heard. Energy Costs: Solar upgrades at the Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital are expected to save nearly FJ$50,000 in their first year. Business & Insurance: Fiji’s insurance brokers’ association has relaunched after more than a decade inactive, with a push to review the ageing Insurance Act and improve coverage in a market where about 10% of people are insured. Rural Livelihoods: Dry weather has halted work for 26 employees at Taveuni’s Ura Estate, with falling water supplies threatening dalo, yaqona and coconut income.

Fisheries: A strengthening El Niño could shift tuna stocks and fishing grounds across the Pacific through 2027, threatening catch rates and economies that depend on the industry. Agriculture: Fiji has unveiled a $147 million investment portfolio for coconut, cocoa, pineapple and breadfruit, expected to benefit about 31,600 households. But dry conditions are already disrupting livelihoods on Taveuni: 26 Ura Estate workers have been sent home as water supplies fall and key crops suffer. Household Costs: Pacific governments are using social protection to soften the fuel-price shock; Fiji’s response includes welfare increases and rebates for bus operators and Energy Fiji Limited. Air Freight: Texel Air has added a Boeing 737 freighter, with another due in January, expanding cargo capacity in the region.

Agriculture and Jobs: Prolonged dry weather has halted work at Taveuni’s Ura Estate, sending 26 workers home and threatening dalo, yaqona and coconut crops. The estate warns its water supply could run out within two weeks. Investment: Fiji has soft-launched a $147 million agrifood portfolio covering coconut, cocoa, pineapple and breadfruit, with plans pitched to investors in Australia ahead of a forum in Rome. The projects are expected to benefit about 31,600 households. Savings and Finance: FNPF’s 60th-anniversary competition aims to encourage voluntary membership and additional contributions, linking member savings with future economic strength. Trade and Energy: Texel Air has added a Boeing 737 freighter to its New Zealand operation, with another due in January, while Fiji is urging the Pacific to accelerate renewable energy and cut reliance on imported fuel.**

Air Freight: Texel Air is expanding its freighter fleet, with a new aircraft added and another due in January — a boost to regional cargo capacity and export links. Solar Savings: Three Vanua Levu public facilities, including Labasa’s handicraft market and Savusavu Hospital, could save nearly $50,000 in electricity costs in their first year through solar installations. Renewable Investment: Australia has announced a Fiji project to install solar and battery systems at 13 remote schools, extending reliable power to underserved communities. Responsible Development: Great Council of Chiefs chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula says investors must work through traditional leadership and community decision-making channels to build trust and protect resources. Business Scrutiny: Fiji is asking the US to share evidence behind corruption allegations against businessman Zhao Fugang, stressing that any local action must follow Fiji’s legal processes.

Solar Savings: Rooftop systems planned for Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital could cut their combined electricity costs by nearly $50,000 in the first year under the World Bank-financed Na Vualiku Project. Responsible Investment: Great Council of Chiefs chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula warned that investors who bypass traditional leadership risk undermining community trust and urged them to respect Vanua decision-making. Tourism Oversight: The competition watchdog is investigating a Nadi hotel closure that left guests without paid accommodation, and is seeking a clear refund timeline. Export Growth: Tavua-based Fresher Marketing supplies produce to New Zealand and Japan, working with local farmers to grow more than 40 products for export.

Business Integrity: Fiji is demanding evidence from the US over corruption allegations against businessman Zhao Fugang, who denies wrongdoing; police are investigating. Investment and Exports: The Great Council of Chiefs says investors must respect Vanua decision-making to build community trust. Tavua exporter Fresher Marketing, meanwhile, ships produce weekly to New Zealand and Japan, relying on farmers growing to order and stable market links. Green Investment: The Reserve Bank says gaps in financial data are making it difficult to measure whether Fiji’s green finance rules are directing capital to sustainable projects. A new Australian-backed initiative will install solar and battery systems at 13 remote Fijian schools, while fresh pledges lift Pacific Resilience Facility funding to US$190 million—still short of its US$500 million target.

Consumer Affairs: Fiji’s competition watchdog is investigating a Nadi hotel that closed after guests had paid, seeking a clear timetable for refunds or acceptable alternative stays. Green Finance: The Reserve Bank says data gaps are making it difficult to track whether Fiji’s green-finance rules are directing investment to eligible projects and delivering results. Rural Energy: Solar power is being targeted at 399 rural and maritime communities, with early projects expected to help households, health centres, schools and local businesses. Climate Funding: New pledges of US$13.3 million lift commitments to the Pacific Resilience Facility to US$190 million, still well below its US$500 million initial target. Pacific leaders at Fiji’s Pre-COP urged faster access to finance and practical action ahead of COP31. Markets and Trade: Fiji’s foreign liabilities have risen to $25.6 billion, while the Reserve Bank reported a $26 million profit as inflation remains a challenge. A new five-year, $5.2 million carbon-market plan aims to prepare Fiji for its first international carbon trade by 2030. Business Scrutiny: Fiji is asking the United States to provide evidence behind corruption allegations against Fiji-based businessman Zhao Fugang, who denies wrongdoing.

Business Scrutiny: The U.S. has sanctioned Fiji-based businessman Zhao Fugang over alleged bribery on behalf of China-based interests. Zhao denies the claims, says he was not given a chance to respond and has not been charged in Fiji. Rural Energy: Solar projects are planned for 399 rural and maritime communities. Initial funding of about US$9.3 million is supporting work, with the first three sites expected to serve more than 1,000 people and help farmers and fishers store produce. Climate Finance: Pre-COP31 brought new pledges for the Pacific Resilience Facility, but it remains US$320 million short of its US$500 million minimum target. Fiji pledged US$10 million, while delegates also highlighted electrification as a way to cut energy costs and create economic opportunities. Water Pressure: El Niño-linked dry conditions have prompted emergency water deliveries to some maritime islands, with the government preparing for the drought to continue into early next year.

Trade Links: Fiji’s trade and tourism expo in Port Moresby is bringing 10 Fijian businesses and organisations together with PNG partners to promote products, tourism and new commercial ties. PNG businessman Albert Wamiri urged investment in Fiji, pointing to opportunities in tourism and food supply. Climate Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility remains US$320 million short of its US$500 million minimum target. Fiji has pledged US$10 million, while the UK, Denmark and Solomon Islands have also committed funds; the facility is designed to support community-led projects. Energy and Infrastructure: Fiji says reaching remote communities with reliable electricity is vital for rural businesses and services, with mini-grids and off-grid renewables key to its 2030 access goal. Australia has also pledged US$3 million for regional resilience projects, including upgrades to Fiji’s Kings and Queens Roads. Business Scrutiny: The US has sanctioned Fiji-based businessman Zhao Fugang over alleged bribery linked to China-based interests. Zhao denies the claims, says he has not been questioned by Fijian authorities and has asked the US Embassy for details.

Business Risks: The US sanctioned Fiji-based businessman Zhao Fugang over alleged corruption linked to China-based actors, bringing renewed scrutiny to business and political connections. Climate Finance: Fiji pledged another $10 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, but the ADB says current adaptation finance covers only 26% of the region’s projected annual needs. Growth & Trade: The ADB cut Fiji’s 2026 growth outlook to 2.2%; trade pressures persist even as exporters report stronger demand. Investment: Fiji’s FJD$5.2 million carbon-market plan targets its first international carbon trade by 2030. Markets: Kava prices have more than doubled in a year, while FHL announced a $4.1 million dividend. Tourism: Fiji Airways plans to add more than 125,000 seats in 2027.

Climate diplomacy in the Pacific: Nepal has proposed a “Sagarmatha to the Sea” partnership linking Himalayan and Pacific island climate risks, as leaders push for stronger action ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Pacific finance pressure: Palau President Whipps urged COP31 to replace slow climate finance and debt with faster, grant-based support, while ADB chief Kanda warned adaptation funding covers only about 26% of Pacific needs. Fiji’s PRF push: Fiji’s Foreign Minister Ditoka said the Pacific Resilience Facility must keep communities “in the driving seat,” with flexible, locally led resilience. Tuvalu’s unity call: Tuvalu PM Teo urged leaders to rally behind the Taku Pakasoa Declaration for a stronger, unified push on climate action. PRF funding update: Fiji, Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark pledged about $15m, but the PRF remains far below its target. Local business & jobs: Fiji Rugby Union shortlisted 31 applicants for its head coach role, with Jake White reported as a frontrunner. Trade focus: Fiji’s Finance PS said the Fiji-Australia treaty can help exports, but domestic reforms are needed to tackle the trade deficit. Community support: Government plans to raise Fiji’s fire victim grant to up to $10,000, depending on damage.

Climate Diplomacy in Fiji/Tuvalu: Tuvalu warns COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as leaders tour sea-level impacts ahead of COP31, while Fiji PM Rabuka uses the davui to frame the Pacific as a bellwether for “human risks” and calls for action on 1.5°C. Youth Pushback: Pacific youth at Pre-COP31 in Nadi reject “false solutions” like deep sea mining and demand fossil fuel phase-out and fair climate finance. Climate Finance Friction: Pacific leaders complain adaptation money is slow, scarce and hard to access; Fiji’s finance officials urge partners to measure “time to community” for results on the ground. Disability Inclusion: Disability advocates say climate grants and information are inaccessible, with complex terms and formats blocking participation. Fiji-Australia Funding Deal: Fiji’s $1.5b Australian package mixes about $1b in grants (non-debt) and $500m in loans, largely tied to projects. El Niño Human Impact: UNICEF warns 347m children across nearly 100 countries face flood/drought risks, with Fiji among those likely affected. Drug & Crime Developments: Cook Islands police seek advice on destroying a 26.49kg cocaine haul; Tonga convicts an Australian deportee under anti-terror laws tied to the Comancheros gang. Social Protection: Fiji moves to secure long-term care pathways for 165 children in state care. Business/Trade: Fiji exporter Salend’s Export reports drought-driven supply shortages hitting vegetable orders and prices. Land Security: 269 residents in Waidamudamu receive formal 99-year leases, completing an informal settlement upgrading project.

Climate Diplomacy in Action: Tuvalu’s climate minister Maina Talia warned COP31 can’t be “another talk shop” as world leaders toured Funafuti to see sea-level and disaster impacts firsthand, with leaders urged to deliver fossil-fuel phase-out and keep 1.5°C alive. Pacific Leadership Push: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka said Pacific risks are “human risks” that will hit the world, while Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya framed the Nadi pre-COP as a chance to strengthen Pacific leadership on 1.5°C, climate finance, and ocean action. Adaptation Finance Reality Check: Fiji and partners pressed for faster, simpler funding that reaches communities, focusing on “time to community” and grant-heavy, concessional support as adaptation needs far outstrip available public finance. Australia Under Pressure: Australia pledged more renewable support but faced criticism over ongoing coal and gas expansion as Pacific leaders demanded major emitters be held accountable. Health Costs of Heat: A UN-linked survey found extreme heat is worsening pregnancy and newborn outcomes, with healthcare professionals reporting rising heat-related complications. Fiji Business & Trade: Fiji launches a five-year carbon market plan and targets first international carbon trade by 2030, while the Fiji Trade and Tourism Expo in PNG will spotlight SMEs and market-entry links. Governance & Economy: Fiji’s finance ministry flagged an Australian development package of about $1.5b over 10 years, plus capacity and skills shortages as key delivery risks.

Climate & Health: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned that extreme heat is increasingly linked to premature births, stillbirths, low birth weight and maternal complications, calling pregnancy a “new fault line” in the global climate crisis as Fiji hosts Pre-COP31 talks ahead of COP31 in Türkiye. Pacific Pre-COP Diplomacy: Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia are using the Nadi and Tuvalu meetings to push for 1.5°C, faster climate finance to communities, and stronger ocean focus, with leaders urging “tangible outcomes” rather than speeches. Carbon Markets Push: Fiji launched a five-year, $5.2m plan to prepare for international carbon trading by 2030, including safeguards, benefit-sharing and a national transactional registry. Women’s Voice at the Table: Research and Pacific advocates say women are being sidelined in climate decision-making, driving gendered impacts on water, health and safety. Security & Justice: Police are investigating financial links tied to a former senior judicial officer and her husband in a $50m cocaine case involving missing court exhibit drugs. Sports & Business: Fiji FA will pay $1,000 each to Bula Boys players and officials after their MSG Prime Minister’s Cup win; Pacific Heavy Industries backed Nadi football ahead of the FMF IDC.

Climate Diplomacy in Fiji: Pacific leaders kicked off UN pre-COP31 in Nadi and Tuvalu, with Fiji’s Lynda Tabuya pushing three messages: keep 1.5°C within reach, speed up climate finance to communities, and put the ocean/blue economy at the centre of talks. Heat and Maternal Health: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned extreme heat is becoming a “fatal faultline” for pregnancy and newborns, citing a Wellcome survey where 73% of maternal health professionals reported rising heat-linked complications. Finance Gap Pressure: Fiji urged developed nations to back a “just transition” and close the adaptation shortfall, as advocates call for tangible outcomes on climate finance and faster delivery. Australia Under Scrutiny: Coverage highlights criticism of Australia’s fossil-fuel ties even as it funds renewable projects in the Pacific and hosts the talks; diplomats say few non-Pacific leaders are attending. Sea-Level Reality: Kiribati is calling for a climate finance “reimbursement window” after protection works are built, warning El Niño is worsening king tides, erosion and saltwater damage. Business & Economy Watch: Fiji’s international liabilities rose to $25.57b by June, deepening a negative net position. Sports Boost: Fiji’s Bula Boys and the Fiji FA announced $1,000 rewards for players and officials after MSG Prime Minister’s Cup success.

Climate diplomacy in Fiji: The UN Pre-COP31 talks opened in Nadi with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C to stay within reach, faster access to adaptation finance, and ocean protection as a core climate issue, warning sea-level rise could displace up to 1.2 billion people by 2050. Pacific priorities on the agenda: Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya says the meetings must turn commitments into practical action, while youth delegates are urging their views be carried into negotiations. Leaders’ message to the world: PM Sitiveni Rabuka told delegates that “doing nothing” is a choice with a human face, calling for climate finance to reach communities now, not later. Fossil-fuel pressure on Australia: Multiple reports and campaign groups say Australia’s coal and gas expansion plans undermine its COP31 role, with activists calling it “double talk” as Pre-COP begins. Women and markets: Fiji’s Market for Change Programme reports training for 5,000+ vendors, with a strong focus on women’s financial skills, savings and access to services. Water stress hits households: In Dramasi, women are waking at 2–3am to collect water as drying creeks worsen hygiene and food security. Sugar sector uncertainty: Cane farmers are demanding clarity on whether the $85 cane price will rise, warning costs are making the current rate unsustainable. Local business innovation: A new project aims to turn recycled plastic into 3D-printed, climate-resilient homes, starting with a model in Fiji. Sports-business crossover: The FMF IDC torch relay continues across Viti Levu ahead of the 86th tournament kickoff.