The Government spent $58,313.35 on a single official overseas trip by Fisheries and Forestry Minister Alitia Bainivalu from April 2024 to 2025.
Ms Bainivalu said all of her other international engagements were fully-funded by donors and host organisations.
“I’m sharing this summary of my official overseas travel because transparency matters, and people deserve to know how public funds are used,” she said.
On her official Facebook page, Ms Bainivalu said she was committed to ensuring every cent spent by taxpayers was worth it for the people.
“As your minister, I believe that every cent spent by the Government must bring value to the people.”
She said the trips she took were not for holidays and included those fully-funded by donors and partners.
“Every trip was about advocating for our fisheries and forestry sectors, to attract investment, to create opportunities, and to bring back real support for our communities.”
Ms Bainivalu said the trips were necessary for knowledge exchange, networking and advancing Fiji’s environmental and economic priorities.
“From seaweed farming to sustainable forestry, from climate action to market access, these missions were focused on real issues that matter to our farmers, fishers and rural families.
“I sat at those tables to speak for Fiji, and to ensure our people are not left behind in global discussions.”
Ms Bainivalu said they would continue working with international partners to bring in technical support, market access and investment.