11TH CABINET MEETING DECISIONS – 22 JULY 2025

1. National Marine Scientific Research Approval Process
Cabinet endorsed a national Marine Scientific Research (MSR) approval procedure in accordance with the United Nations Convention Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
 
Marine Scientific Research (MSR) is the study of the ocean and coastal waters to gain scientific knowledge of the marine environment.
 
MSR activities include ocean drilling and deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles and fish aggregated devices, analysing and sampling the marine environment using research equipment on ships such as echo sounders, plankton nets, and probes conductivity for measuring temperature and depth.
 
At present, Fiji lacks the resources to conduct its own MSR expeditions and depends on MSR international expeditions for the purpose of data.
 
The new process will allow for greater consultation and coordination across government through relevant ministries to safeguard Fiji’s intellectual property rights over marine resources discoveries, maritime security and management of data.
 
2. Third Redeployment of Funds within the 2024-2025 Budget
Cabinet endorsed the third redeployment of funds within the 2024-2025 Budget to meet additional expenditure demands of FJ$ 78,556,185.00 (VIP).
 
These additional expenditure demands are as follows:
-Fiji Revenue and Customs Service procurement of x-ray machines ($11.0m);
-Additional paddy grant to Fiji Rice Limited ($1.4m);
-Personal Emolument for the ministries of Education ($23.8m) and Health ($10.0m);
-Operating grant assistance to Fiji Meats Industry Board ($0.3m);
-Outstanding film tax rebate ($22.1m); and
-Payment for the Health Public Private Partnership ($10.0m).
 
3. Fiji Spartan Trifecta 2024 – Post Event Report
Cabinet was updated on the outcomes of the Fiji Spartan Trifecta Event held in 2024 and subsequently agreed that the final Fiji Spartan Event be held in 2026.
 
The hosting of the 2025 Fiji Spartan Event in 2026 was in consideration of changes in key strategic partnerships and recent updates to the international Spartan calendar.
 
The Fiji Spartan Steering Committee, is chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, and comprises public and private sector representatives.
 
4. Outcomes  of World Surf League Corona 2024 Fiji Pro Presented by Bonsoy 
Cabinet was updated on the outcomes of the 2024 Corona Fiji Pro Presented by Bonsoy, 20 to 29 August 2024 at Cloudbreak, Fiji.
 
The Fiji Pro, previously an annual event on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, was last held between 2014 and 2017.
 
Recognising the value of bringing world-class events to Fiji, Cabinet had approved the return of the WSL Championship Tour in 2024 for a three-year term.
 
The Fiji Pro is held at Cloudbreak, which is one of the world’s most renowned waves. This year’s event will be held in August 2025.  
 
A Steering Committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, will continue to oversee the event.
 
5. Five-Year Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Strategic Plan
Cabinet approved the Five-Year Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Strategic Plan.
 
The plan was developed in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
 
It aims to comprehensively address MSME challenges through a coordinated partnership with the private sector, public institutions, and civil society, and develop a cohesive MSME ecosystem for Fiji.
 
6. Letter of Agreement with the United Nations Capital Development Fund for the Implementation of the National Digital Strategy
Cabinet endorsed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) for the implementation of the National Digital Strategy (NDS).
 
The LOA will allow the provision of a one-year financial grant support of USD $100,000 to kickstart the implementation of the NDS.
 
The NDS was officially launched on 3 April 2025.
 
7. Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Indian Standards in the Field of Standardisation
Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS) on cooperation in the field of standardisation.
 
The MOU with the Bureau of Indian Standards is to facilitate closer cooperation in strengthening standardisation, conformity assessment activities and facilitating sharing of expertise and mutual trade.
 
The primary role of DNTMS is to protect consumers from the use of unsafe and poor-quality products and create favourable conditions for exchange of goods.
 
DNTMS also maintains the national system of units and standards of measurement on physical quantities to provide for fair and just use of units of measurement, standards, measuring instruments and pre-packed articles.
 
8. National Strategy for 5G Spectrum Assignment and Commercial Deployment for Fiji
Cabinet endorsed the planned rollout of 5G mobile broadband services in Fiji, including spectrum assignment, pricing framework, and operator incentive model.
 
A 5G Network Security Policy will guide operators and stakeholders on secure deployment practices.
 
The fifth generation of mobile technology, or 5G, represents a transformative step forward in digital communications, promising significantly higher data speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive device connectivity.
 
9. World Rural Development Day
Cabinet agreed that the World Rural Development Day on 6 July be an annual event, celebrated by the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.
 
The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution A/78/326, officially designating 6 July each year as World Rural Development Day.
 
This recognition honours the founding of the Centre for Integrated Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in 1979, while reaffirming the vital role of rural development in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
2025 marked the inaugural observance of World Rural Development Day worldwide.
 
10. Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations Project – Phase VIII
Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF) of Japan for the implementation of Phase VIII of the Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations (FDAPIN).
 
The FDAPIN Project commenced in Fiji in 1992, starting with a fisheries development study.
 
Since then, it has significantly contributed to the fisheries sector through infrastructure support such as the donation of ice plants, vehicles, and capacity building through training of fisheries officers.
 
Phase VIII will include the restoration of fisheries related facilities and skill transfer by experts, through both infrastructure improvements and advisory services for fisheries related organisations.
 
11. Fiji’s Negotiations and Engagements under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade Framework Between the United States of America and Fiji
Cabinet was briefed on the status of ongoing negotiations with the U.S towards a potential U.S–Fiji Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
 
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade is serving as Fiji’s Lead Minister for the U.S–Fiji ART negotiations, and the Permanent Secretary for Trade is Fiji’s Chief Negotiator at the officials’ level.
 
The Ministry of Trade is the lead agency with the mandate to coordinate whole-of-government consultations and represent Fiji in formal negotiations with the U.S.
 
12. Amendments to Health and Safety at Work (General Workplace Condition) Regulation 2003 and Health and Safety at Work (Administration) Regulations 1997
Cabinet endorsed amendments to the Health and Safety (General Workplace Conditions) Regulations 2003, and the Health and Safety at Work (Administration) Regulations 1997.
 
The amendments will allow for new building permit application to be submitted electronically and workplace commissioning to be recognised under the law.
 
These amendments are part of Government’s efforts to modernise and streamline the current processes in line with national digital transformation priorities, and to improve overall efficiency and reduce costs for applicants.
 
13. Establishment of National Wildlife Hazard Management Committee for Aviation
 
Cabinet endorsed the establishment of the National Wildlife Hazard Management Committee for Aviation which will be responsible for raising awareness and evaluating a 13-km radius around the aerodrome reference point for wildlife hazard management. 
 
The Committee shall be chaired by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji as the Regulator.
 
A key threat to aviation safety is wildlife hazards, particularly bird strikes, which occur when aircraft collide with animals during take-off, landing, or at lower altitudes. 
 
In 2024, Fiji Airports Limited reported a significant increase in bird strikes at Nadi International Airport from 24 in 2022, to 33 in 2023, and 41 in 2024.
 
14. Memorandum of Understanding with Green Climate Fund
Cabinet endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (Ministry) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the placement of a GCF expert in Fiji.
 
GCF is an international organisation established by the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Ministry is the National Designated Authority (NDA) to GCF.
 
Fiji has benefited from GCF with a total of seven approved projects with a combined value of $73m USD and has also received support from GCF on readiness worth $2m USD.
 
15. Ratification of ICAO Protocols
Cabinet endorsed that the following protocols be tabled in Parliament for ratification:
 
-Protocol Relating to an Amendment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation [Article 50(a)] signed at Montreal on 6 October 2016 (Doc 10077); and
-Protocol Relating to an Amendment to the Convention on International Civil Aviation [Article 56] signed at Montreal on 6 October 2016 (Doc 10076).
 
The two protocols allow for adequate representation of ICAO members in the ICAO Council and the Air Navigation Commission.
 
16. Update on the Review of the Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill 2006 and Mineral Policy 1997
Cabinet was updated on the status of review for the Mining Act 1965, the Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill (MEEB) 2006 and the Mineral Policy 1997.
 
The review is in line with the Fiji 2025-2029 and Vision 2050 National Development Plan (NDP) emphasising the need for review and of “A Sustainable Mining Industry” with its strategic goal of a sustainable mining sector to drive employment, income generation, foreign exchange earnings and revenue for government.