Fijian economic diversification and regional investment

Fiji is pursuing strategies to diversify its economy and strengthen regional trade and investment. In late July 2026, a scoping mission involving Investment Fiji and the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA) explored expansion opportunities for Fijian businesses in Vanuatu. This mission targeted sectors such as retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and food and beverage to translate economic connections into practical investment linkages.

Simultaneously, Fijian officials are seeking to reduce economic dependency by encouraging Australian investment in renewable energy, maritime industries, agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure. While tourism remains a primary economic driver, with Australians representing approximately 45.9 percent of the nearly one million visitors in 2025, the government is emphasizing the need for long-term partnerships that foster local knowledge transfer and job creation.

Amid these efforts, Fijian exporters face increasing financial hurdles, with approximately 67 percent reporting difficulty accessing finance. Additionally, the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has defended the tourism sector against claims of taxpayer dependency, noting that the industry faces a heavy tax burden, including VAT, departure taxes, and a new Tourism Services Tax.