MULTINATIONAL companies like Fiji Water and Aitken Spence from Sri Lanka have expressed interest in commercial agriculture here at home.
This was revealed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the groundbreaking ceremony of the New Valley Processors’ processing and cold chain facility in Naboutini, Sabeto in Nadi on Thursday.
“Another investor from Papua New Guinea is now in talks with FNPF (Fiji National Provident Fund) and BSP,” he said.
“These are the beginning of a new era of investor confidence in our agriculture sector. With the right partnerships, we believe Fiji can feed the region and beyond.
“Let me assure you: your Government is not stopping here.
“We want to build on this momentum and do even more in the coming months, working hand in hand with our rural communities, partners, and the private sector to unlock the full potential of Fiji’s agriculture, and connecting these to external markets.”
Mr Rabuka commended the leadership of the New Valley team for their foresight, their commitment to partnership with local communities, and their drive to link farmers from the most remote parts of Fiji to global markets.
“This is exactly the kind of inclusive, ground-up development we want to see more of in this country,” he said.
“To our development partners and donor agencies, I encourage you to continue supporting such local initiatives.
“The impact of your investment is not just measured in GDP or volumes exported, but in lives changed in families who are able to send their children to school, build better homes, and live with dignity through farming.
“The Government of Fiji stands ready to provide ongoing assistance and support to this project. We believe in the potential of our farmers. And we believe that with the right support, the rural economy can be a powerful engine for inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Let us work together- government, private sector, donors, and communities to make New Valley not just a success story, but a model for other parts of Fiji.”
Meanwhile, Mr Rabuka also said the New Valley project signaled a bold new direction for our agriculture sector and rural economy.
”This project exemplifies our Government’s vision to strengthen the agriculture sector as a key pillar of economic growth. Agriculture remains the backbone of many of our rural economies.
“It is the source of food, income, and dignity for thousands of Fijian families. And through projects like New Valley, we are taking practical steps to increase productivity, promote value-adding and exports, and improve the livelihoods of our farmers,” Mr Rabuka said.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated May 10, 2025
