Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/330 |
G-III§20 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Fiji remains committed to a successfully negotiated development friendly PACER (Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations) Plus aimed at securing long-term improved market access, preserving policy space, especially the right to regulate for development, creating employment, uplifting the livelihoods of Fijians and achieving sustainable development.
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Government TPR |
WT/TPR/G/330 |
G-V§2 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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However, as a small and vulnerable economy, geographically and logistically located far from major markets and trading routes, facing supply-side infrastructure and productivity constraints and highly susceptible to natural disasters and climate change challenges, the country is at risk of further being marginalised if the multilateral trading system does not take into account such realities.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-Summary§25 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Sectors |
Other environmental requirements |
Fisheries |
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Fisheries account for some 13% of merchandise exports, consisting mainly of tuna. Offshore tuna fishing is done by longline vessels, which must be licensed and land their catch in Fiji. A new decree and regulations were issued during the review period to ensure sustainable management of fisheries. According to the authorities, Fiji is in the process of "domesticating" its fishing fleet and licences are to be granted only to Fiji-flagged vessels; however, the foreign-flagged vessels that already have a licence will be allowed to continue fishing. Foreign investment in fisheries-related businesses is capped at 70% of equity. In addition to tax concessions, the Government assists the fishing industry through relatively high import tariffs for fresh (15%) and processed fish (32%).
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-Summary§27 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Sectors |
Tax concessions |
Energy |
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Fiji relies heavily on imported fuels to meet its energy requirements, so reducing energy imports is one of the Government's policy objectives. Tax incentives are granted to promote development of renewable energy resources, which already account for half of power generation. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-I§1 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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(...) The 2008-09 global economic crisis, natural disasters and other structural impediments contributed to Fiji's problems. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-I§3 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Sectors |
General environmental reference |
Energy |
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(...) various projects are under way (e.g. hydro, wind and solar energy) to reduce Fiji’s dependence on fossil fuels (section 4.3).
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-I§24 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Sectors |
General environmental reference |
Energy |
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The authorities have stated their commitment to continuing to drive the reform process particularly in the following areas: (...) (ii) a new Energy Policy for 2014-2020 that aims to address Fiji’s increasing energy needs through reliable energy supply while ensuring that the sector remains resource efficient, cost effective and environmentally sustainable (section 4.3); (...)
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Energy
Environment
Sustainable
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-II§6 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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(...) The National Economic Development Council (NEDC) is the main formal consultative mechanism and has representatives from the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fiji Indigenous Business Council, Fiji Manufacturers Association, and numerous trade union and NGO representatives. [6] (...)
[6] The NEDC, formed under the finance ministry in 2005, meets quarterly and includes other public- and private-sector representatives such as NGOs. The NEDC has five sub-committees (Trade and Investment Facilitation, Agriculture, Services, Manufacturing, and Sustainable Development) and nine working groups, including on macroeconomic management and state institutions; structural reforms; rural development; poverty and social justice; infrastructure; and natural resources.
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Keywords
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Sustainable
Natural resources
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-II§7 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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The FTPF (Fijian Trade Policy Framework) 2015-2025 aims to help achieve the Government's vision of a "Better Fiji for All" through the following policy objectives:
(...)
• promoting human capital development in all the priority sectors, as well as mainstreaming of gender, environmental protection and other related policies.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/330/REV.1 |
S-II§12 |
Fiji |
2016 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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(...) In the WTO negotiations, Fiji is part of the Small, Vulnerable Economies (SVEs) group and is one of the so-called "W52" sponsors. [12]
[12] Fiji sponsors a proposal for "modalities" in negotiations on geographical indications (establishing a multilateral register for wines and spirits, and extending the higher level of protection beyond wines and spirits) and "disclosure" (requiring patent applicants to disclose the origin of genetic resources and traditional knowledge used in the inventions).
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