FIJI stands to gain significantly as India gears up to launch its transformative GST 2.0 tax reform on September 22.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta said the reform holds special significance for Fiji, as it will make essential Indian goods more affordable and accessible to the country.
“For Fiji, these reforms carry special meaning,” Mr Mehta said.
“Fiji imports most of the medicines and medical equipment.
“Earlier this year, India and Fiji signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recognising the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which simplifies the acceptance of Indian medicines in Fiji.
“In August 2025, during the visit of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to India, another MOU was signed under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi scheme, ensuring access to affordable generic medicines for the people of Fiji.”
He said with GST 2.0 lowering production and export costs, these agreements will now translate into even more affordable supplies for Fijian patients and hospitals.
“The benefits extend beyond healthcare.
“Reduced GST on tractors, harvesters, fertilizers, and composters can enable Fiji to explore joint ventures in agriculture or direct imports of cost-effective Indian equipment and inputs.”
Mr Mehta said cheaper Indian textiles, apparel, coffee, tea, spices, and dried legumes will offer options to Fijian importers, retailers, and consumers.
“The overall effect is to deepen trade opportunities, lower costs, and create pathways for greater cooperation between our two countries.”
