FIJI is in a select group of countries prioritised for a bilateral agreement with the US following President Trump’s sweeping imposition of tariff on countries early last month that has since crippled global trade.
This follows a high-level meeting in Milan, Italy between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Prof Biman Prasad with US government officials.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Finance said Professor Prasad had met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia Robert Kaproth and Deputy Assistant Secretary for International
Development Finance and Policy, Margaret Kuhlow from the US Department of the Treasury.
“Discussions focused on the recent imposition of 32 percent tariffs by the United States on Fijian exports, the global economic outlook, strengthening engagement with multilateral institutions, and enhancing Fiji–US bilateral relations,” the Ministry stated.
“The US Treasury officials assured that positive progress has been made, underpinned by the long-standing relationship between the two countries—one based on shared principles of democracy, human rights, media freedom, and social justice.
“The US Treasury officials noted that Fiji is among a select group of countries being prioritised for a bilateral agreement by US trade officials.
“The Deputy Assistant Secretaries reaffirmed the US Treasury’s continued support for Fiji’s development aspirations.”
DPM Prasad acknowledged that both parties are working toward an agreement to resolve the tariff issue, which is being led by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in coordination with the US Trade Representative.
“DPM Prasad highlighted the importance of the US market to Fiji in the areas of trade, tourism, and technology.
“He also emphasised the need for the United States to adopt a tailored and differentiated approach in the Pacific to better address the region’s unique vulnerabilities,” the Ministry stated.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated May 10, 2025
