Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Service, and Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics
Phased Approach to Establish Fiji’s first National Alcohol and Drug
Recovery Center
Cabinet approved Ministry of Health and Medical Service to proceed with preliminary
project preparations on the establishment of the National Alcohol and Drug Recovery
Center in Fiji with assistance from the Korea International Cooperation Agency
(KOICA).
The project responds to growing public health concerns around alcohol and drug use
and its impact on individuals, families and communities. Fiji currently has no dedicated
national facility providing comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration
services for people affected by substance use disorders.
The Government of the Republic of Korea has committed USD 10 million in grant
funding over a six-year period. The Center will be located in Tamavua, Suva, and will
support improved diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration services,
while strengthening the capacity of Fiji’s medical professionals and addiction
specialists. It will complement existing mental health services, including St Giles
Hospital, through coordinated referral pathways.
Mineral Exploration and Mining Bill 2026 and Mine Safety Management
Bill 2026
Cabinet endorsed the outcomes of the review of the Mining Act 1965 and Quarries Act
1939, jointly conducted by the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources and the Fiji
Law Reform Commission, which resulted in the development of two proposed Bills to
modernise Fiji’s mining legislative framework.
The review identified significant legal, structural and operational gaps in the existing
laws, which were found to be inadequate to effectively regulate mineral exploration,
mining and quarrying activities. The process included 62 nationwide stakeholder
consultations, engaging mine operators, workers, landowners, affected communities,
government agencies, civil society organisations and members of the public to identify
challenges and recommend improvements.
The proposed Mineral Exploration and Mining Bill 2026 and Mine Safety Management
Bill 2026 aim to strengthen landowner rights and benefit-sharing arrangements,
introduce clearer consent and compensation processes, improve transparency and
accountability, and establish more effective dispute resolution mechanisms. The
proposed reforms also provide for modernised workplace health and safety
requirements, environmental protection measures and digital management of mining
activities. A special consultation with the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, through the Ministry
of iTaukei Affairs, will be conducted before the Bills are tabled in Parliament.
Nadi to be Declared City
Cabinet endorsed the proposal to declare Nadi as a city, with formal declaration and a
community celebration anticipated for December 2026. This is in recognition of Nadi’s
rapid growth and its importance as the country’s international gateway and a major
economic and tourism hub.Between 2022 and 2025, Nadi recorded 1,106 approved development applications with
a combined value of approximately $1.23 billion, reflecting significant residential,
commercial and tourism investment.
The proposed transition to city status aims to support continued investment, strengthen
municipal services and improve urban planning and governance, while addressing
challenges such as traffic congestion and flooding.- Fiji’s Seventh National Report on Biodiversity
Cabinet endorsed Fiji’s Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological
Diversity, outlining the country’s progress in protecting biodiversity, restoring
ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
Following national consultations and technical validation, this Report highlights
progress in community-based conservation, forest management and restoration, while
identifying challenges including limited long-term funding, gaps in baseline data and
the need for stronger biodiversity monitoring.
This Report will guide future biodiversity planning and help track Fiji’s commitments
under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and the Kunming
Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Additional Government Guarantee for PAFCO
Cabinet endorsed an additional $20 million Government guarantee for the Pacific
Fishing Company Limited (PAFCO) to support its operations and planned upgrades to
its processing plant and equipment.
The proposed guarantee is intended to strengthen working capital, increase production
capacity and improve compliance with international food safety and quality standards
as PAFCO transitions towards a more diversified business model following the exit of
its major customer, Bumble Bee, in July 2026.
PAFCO, which is 99.6% Government-owned and operates its main fish-processing
facility in Levuka, Ovalau, employs around 870 to more than 1,000 workers, with
women making up over 70% of its workforce. The company is shifting its focus towards
canned seafood while continuing its tuna-loining operations, with the aim of securing
new local and export markets.
The additional guarantee would bring the total Government guarantee ceiling for
PAFCO to approximately $31.3 million, including the existing $11.3 million guarantee.