FIJI missed out on a major investment opportunity nearly two decades ago, one that could have brought $1.6 billion into the country, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.
Mr Kamikamica said Fiji Water had first approached the government in 2006 with plans to develop commercial agriculture.
However, he said, their proposal was ignored for 17 years.
“We turned them away in 2006, they went to Mexico instead and built a $1.5 billion factory,” Mr Kamikamica said.
He said discussions with Fiji Water resumed after the current government took office.
“They’re not just a water company. In America, they are a major agriculture company,” he said.
He said their experience could help Fiji develop a stronger commercial agriculture sector.
He said Fiji Water was now moving forward with plans to invest in the Northern Division.
The company has already identified land to begin a nursery for citrus and mangoes.
He said Fiji Water works with farming cooperatives in the United States and hopes to apply a similar model here to support rural communities across Bua, Cakaudrove, and Macuata.
“This will slowly transform our agriculture sector. They’ll bring expertise, train our farmers, and ensure market access which is one of the biggest challenges our farmers face.”
He said another agricultural company from Sri Lanka was already in Fiji and working on similar large-scale agricultural projects. An Israeli firm is expected to join soon.
“If all three companies begin operating here, we will have some of the best in the world helping us re-engineer agriculture and aquaculture in Fiji.”
The government, he said, was backing this transformation with policies and reforms aimed at improving land access, building infrastructure, and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises.
He said the ministry was in partnership with United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to set up an agribusiness incubation centre focused on youth and women entrepreneurs.
“We are ready to move from being resource-rich to being opportunity-rich.
“The future of agriculture in Fiji is not just subsistence – it’s about creating export-ready, value-added commodities.”
He said young entrepreneurs should seize the moment.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated June 16, 2025
