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1.14. (...) The Fiji Government hosted a National Economic Summit on 20–21 April 2023. (...) The twelve thematic areas of Macroeconomic Management, Key Growth Sectors, Governance and Reforms, Human Development, Rural and Outer Island Development, Land Based Activities, Marine, Indigenous Participation, Water Resource Management, Transport and Energy were identified to structure the work towards the Government's overarching objectives of inclusive economic security, social justice, conscientious governance, political stability, indigenous participation in development and environmental sustainability.

3.9. The performance of the sector [agriculture (non-sugar)] continues to be undermined by a combination of factors including vulnerability to natural disasters, inadequate infrastructure, restrictive bio-security measures by trading partners, high production and transportation costs, poor husbandry practices, market deficiencies and limited access to finance by farmers.

3.12. The sugar industry is a crucial sector in the economy of Fiji. (...) However, the industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the end of the European Union's preference scheme in 2017, declining yields, low prices, competition from other sugar-producing countries and climate change. From 2016 to 2020, two category-five storms inflicted nearly USD 100 million on the industry and damaged some 600,000 tonnes of cane. Since 2017, only three of the four mills were still operational. The fourth mill was shut down after sustaining damage during tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.

3.15. (...) One of the major challenges facing the sugar industry in Fiji is the decline in cane production. Factors contributing to this decline include ageing cane fields, declining soil fertility, and the impact of climate change. To address these challenges, the industry is exploring innovative solutions, such as the introduction of new cane varieties, improved farming practices, and the use of precision agriculture technologies. Guided by the research institute, Fiji's sugar industry is currently implementing green manuring technology that increases soil fertility without reliance on chemical fertilisers that contaminate waterways.

3.21. The Fiji Government also recognizes the importance of certifying Fiji timber produced from sustainably managed and legally operated operations to ensure continued access to export markets. Fiji has registered its own "Fiji Pure Mahogany" brand in 22 countries and completed associated certification processes for its unique and sustainable mahogany resource.

3.22. The Government also intends to continue working towards strengthening the linkages between the MSMEs [Micro, small and medium enterprises] supplying raw and intermediate materials and large manufacturing firms in order to ensure sustainable domestic value chains.

3.30. (...) The Government continues to ensure that environmental and social impact assessments and stakeholder engagements are undertaken prior to commencement of mining projects, and occupational health and safety standards are complied with.

3.32. The sector [Forestry] contributes 1.7% of Fiji's real GDP and has the potential to grow further through sustainable forestry.

3.34. Guided by Fiji's commitments to various conventions such as the Paris Agreement, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the recent Seoul Forest Declaration, the Fiji Government is dedicated to protecting, restoring and sustainably using and managing forests as one of the building blocks for social, environmental, and economic development.

3.35. Fiji's National Development Plan (2017-2036) sets out strategies to sustainably manage and develop Fiji's forest resources with policies to strengthen sustainable forest management, encourage private sector participation in plantation development and encourage the development of more timber products.