Government is taking significant step to position Fiji as a key player in the blue economy, as highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications during a round table discussion today (8/4/25) with representatives of the Waitt Foundation.
The meeting, held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, centered on strategies to leverage the blue economy to drive economic diversification, with a particular focus on the promising sector of commercial aquaculture.
The DPM emphasised the importance of creating an economic framework that links conservation efforts with tangible economic benefits, particularly for rural communities.
“Conservation must make sense economically. For it to work, there need to be a clear economic preposition attached, and it must directly benefit the rural societies that depend on these resources,” stated DPM Kamikamica.
“This is not just about protecting the environment; it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods that will continue to flourish for future generations.”
The collaboration with the Waitt Foundation aims to achieve this balance by fostering innovation in aquaculture and other blue economy initiatives. The partnership is seen as a key avenue for unlocking new opportunities for Fiji’s economy, especially as Government seeks to diversify its sectors and create new revenue streams.
In his remark DPM Kamikamica also highlighted the ongoing discussions surrounding the ‘Blue Town’ framework – a concept designed to integrate environmental imperatives into the economic landscape. This initiative has the potential to catalyse economic growth while preserving the country’s marine ecosystem, which are both vital to our culture and economy.
The DPM also acknowledged the work of various ministries, including the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Housing and said their work will be crucial to driving the blue economy agenda forward.
The Fiji Government is fully committed to supporting these efforts with the Prime Minister Hon Sitiveni Rabuka already signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Waitt Foundation to formalize this partnership.
“The Prime Minister has shown his commitment to this cause, and we are determined to make the blue economy a cornerstone of Fiji’s future prosperity,” DPM Kamikamica affirms.
The meeting also stressed the importance of collaboration across Government sectors, with the aim of establishing a unified approach to unlocking the full potential of Fiji’s marine resources.
“We are excited to be part of this journey with the Waitt Foundation, and together, we will build a future where Fiji’s blue economy not only thrives but also sustains the communities that rely on it,” DPM Kamikamica concluded.