1. Advancing Plans for New Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Facility in Lautoka
Cabinet endorsed the outcomes of the feasibility study for the revitalisation of Fiji’s shipbuilding sector, including plans to establish a new shipbuilding and ship repair facility in Lautoka, which was identified as the preferred site due to its proximity to existing port infrastructure and land availability.
The study estimated capital costs of approximately FJD 792 million, with projected revenue of FJD 2.7 billion against operating costs of FJD 2.4 billion over a 30-year period. It recommended a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to leverage private sector expertise and financing, reduce Government’s financial exposure and support the facility’s long-term sustainability. A phased, repair-first approach was also recommended, allowing operations to become established and local skills to develop before expanding into shipbuilding.
The Australian Government has indicated its support for the next phase through technical, legal and financial assistance for the procurement process. Continue engagement with the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) would assist facilitate the transaction process and identify a suitable private sector partner.
The proposed facility is expected to attract foreign investment, create employment opportunities, strengthen local industries and supply chains, and facilitate the transfer of skills and technology to Fijian workers and businesses. In thelonger term, the project aims to strengthen Fiji’s maritime capabilities and establish the country as a regional centre for shipbuilding, vessel repair and maritime services across the Pacific.
2. State House to Mark 100th Anniversary with Centenary Celebrations
Cabinet endosred the proposed commemoration of the 100th anniversary of State House and associated historical Government Buildings in November 2026, recognising their significance to Fiji’s constitutional governance, nationalleadership and public service.
Constructed in 1926, State House is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji. The celebrations will be held under the theme “Acknowledging our Past Building our Future Together”, with activities including historicalfeatures, media
programmes, youth engagement initiatives, an oratory competition, and a Honours and Awards Ceremony and afternoon tea on 10 November 2026. The programme will culminate in the official Centenary Commemorative Dinner on 11 November 2026.
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs will coordinate the celebrations through an inter-agency planning committee. The commemoration will celebrate Fiji’s institutional heritage, preserve historical records and strengthen public understanding of the country’s constitutional journey and public service history.
3. Advancing Reform of Fiji’s National Intelligence Architecture
Cabinet endorsed proposed reforms to Fiji’s national intelligence architecture to strengthen coordination, information sharing and the assessment of emerging national security threats.
The reforms aim to address fragmentation across Government agencies by establishing a more coordinated andsustainable intelligence framework, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities and reporting mechanisms to support national security decision-making.
A six-month partnership with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), funded by the New ZealandGovernment, will assess the existing intelligence structure and develop evidence-based reform options. The review willexamine potential changes to intelligence functions, governance, workforce and operations, including their associated risks, benefits and implementation requirements.
The reforms are intended to strengthen Fiji’s national security capabilities through improved inter-agency collaboration, more effective intelligence assessments and a sustainable, coordinated approach to addressing emerging security threats, while ensuring appropriate oversight and accountability.
4. Fiji’s Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2035
Cabinet endorsed the Fiji Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2035, which aims to strengthen the protection of Fiji’s maritime domain through improved governance, coordinated action and an integrated national maritime security system.
With more than 96 percent of Fiji’s trade moving by sea, the Strategy addresses key threats including transnational crime, illegal fishing, sovereignty challenges, climate and environmental risks, vulnerabilities in critical maritimeinfrastructure, cyber threats and gaps in institutional coordination.
The Strategy is built around seven strategic pillars covering maritime governance, intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, infrastructure resilience, environmental security, cyber resilience and regional cooperation. It also proposes a Maritime Senior Officials Committee to oversee implementation, coordinate Government-wide policy and monitor progress.
Implementation will proceed in three phases, from establishing governance arrangements and foundational reforms to capability development, operational integration and long-term maritime resilience. Delivery will utilise existing
Government structures and remain subject to annual planning, budgeting and appropriation processes.
The Strategy is expected to strengthen the protection of Fiji’s maritime resources and critical infrastructure, support resource-owning communities, enhance regional and international cooperation, and reinforce Fiji’s role as a maritimesecurity partner in the Blue Pacific.
5. Fiji and the Philippines to Strengthen Diplomatic Relations Through Policy Consultations
Cabinet endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Policy Consultations between the Philippines’Department of Foreign Affairs and Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to strengthen diplomatic relations and deepen bilateral cooperation.
The MOU will provide a framework for regular consultations on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, with opportunities to explore cooperation in defence, security, trade, agriculture, tourism, education, health and other areas.
Under the proposed arrangement, biennial Foreign Policy Consultations will be held at senior official level, alternately inFiji and the Philippines, with expert working groups established as needed to address specific or urgent matters.
The initiative follows the opening of the Philippines’ first embassy in Suva in March 2026. The agreement is expected to provide a structured platform for sustained diplomatic engagement, stronger bilateral cooperation and closer collaboration on shared regional and international priorities.
6. Fiji to Develop National Pineapple Brand to Expand Export Opportunities
Cabinet endorsed the three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTI NZ) to develop a national branding and marketing strategy forFiji’s pineapple industry, with New Zealand as the priority export market.
Fiji’s pineapple production increased by 45.5 per cent between 2023 and 2025, reaching 12,499.2 tonnes. However, exports totalled only 16.5 tonnes in 2025, highlighting the need to strengthen market access, product quality and export readiness.
Under the proposed partnership, the Ministry and PTI NZ will jointly invest NZD 115,000 (approximately FJD 147,530)in market research, national brand development, promotional campaigns, international trade events and industry capacitybuilding. The Fiji pineapple brand and its associated identity elements will remain the property of the Government of Fiji.
The initiative will also support improvements in production practices, quality standards, packaging and traceability, while exploring value-added products such as pineapple juice and dried fruit.
The partnership is expected to expand export opportunities, improve returns for farmers, encourage greater participation by women and youth, and strengthen Fiji’s agricultural exports, rural livelihoods and sustainable economic growth.