FIJI can slash its import bill by as much as $24.1 million is it strategically develops local production of specific, high-potential fresh produce items.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad made this remark while opening the National Agriculture Show 2025 in Nadi this week.
He said a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on “From the Farm to the Tourist’s Table” revealed that in 2017, hotels and resorts in Fiji’s primary tourism regions invested a staggering $74.4 million in the procurement of fresh produce.
“Alarmingly, over half of this expenditure — 52 per cent, equating to more than $38.5 million— went towards imported items,” Prof Prasad said.
“A total of 18 fresh produce items account for an impressive 63 percent of the total fresh food imports consumed by hotels in Fiji’s main tourism hubs, including Nadi, Lautoka, Denarau, Coral Coast and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
“These key items encompass:
-Vegetables: potato, colored capsicum (red/yellow/orange), green capsicum, broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower, zucchini, purple cabbage, and green cabbage;
-Fruits: tomato, orange, rock melon, and honeydew melon;
-Meat and Seafood: beef, bacon, and prawn;
-Dairy: cheese; and
-Juice: packaged tropical juices.”
Prof Prasad said by prioritising local production of these essential items, Fiji would significantly enhance its economy and provide fresher options to its thriving tourism sector.
“This is our opportunity to change that — to take pride in what we can grow, to innovate boldly, and to make Fiji a leader in sustainable agriculture.
“In the face of climate change, market shifts and global uncertainties, our resilience will determine our success.
“It means embracing new technologies, improving productivity, and finding smarter ways to grow and market what we produce. It also means supporting one another — because when farmers succeed, our whole nation thrives.”
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: Cutting import bill in Page22 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Saturday September 20, 2025
