FIJI has officially opened a new embassy in Jerusalem, and today, we examine this move not from the lens of politics, but from the potential opportunities this will open up for Fijians.
While, naturally, there has been some criticism, this step could also be an opportunity to tap into Israel’s vast experience in the tech and agriculture sectors, not to mention the tourism potential. For Fiji, the question is not only whether this was the right diplomatic choice, but how to make sure it delivers real results for ordinary citizens.
For a small island nation like ours, foreign policy is often about balance. We rely heavily on our neighbours Australia and New Zealand — together they provide more than half of our international visitors every year.
Tourism is our economic backbone, and any shift in perception can make us nervous.
But Fiji’s decision also offers a chance to deepen partnerships that go beyond politics, in areas like technology, health, agriculture, and even new forms of tourism.
Israel is widely known for its technological prowess.
It is one of the most innovative countries in the world, often called the “Start-Up Nation.” From water management to cybersecurity, Israel has built expertise that small nations like Fiji can learn from.
For Fiji, this could be a turning point.
Our businesses and government services are increasingly dependent on digital systems, yet we remain vulnerable to cyberattacks and lack homegrown innovation hubs.
Partnering with Israeli institutions could help create stronger safeguards and open opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Such collaboration would not only modernise our economy, but also provide better protection for banks, schools, and government agencies.
For agriculture, Israel’s experience could be transformative.
The country has mastered drip irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and precision farming. For Fiji, where climate change threatens food security and traditional farming methods, partnerships in this field could mean higher yields, lower costs, and more resilience in times of disaster.
Fiji imports a significant amount of food that could be grown locally. If Israeli techniques are applied in our rural and maritime communities, we could reduce dependence on imports and create more opportunities for farmers.
Beyond feeding our people, these methods might also open the door to stronger exports of niche crops, helping rural communities earn more stable incomes.
Only recently, a team of Israeli doctors completed a nationwide assessment of Fiji’s hospitals, health centres, and nursing stations.
This is a sign that practical cooperation is already underway.
If that study leads to training, investment, or telemedicine support, the benefits would be direct and visible to ordinary citizens.
Improved healthcare not only makes life better at home, it also reassures tourists that Fiji is a safe destination with strong medical backup.
For a tourism-dependent nation, the ability to say that visitors will be cared for in emergencies can be a powerful marketing point. More importantly, access to better medical technology and skills could save lives in communities that currently lack proper services.
Beyond traditional partnerships, this move could also open new tourism opportunities.
Israel has a large travelling population, particularly among younger groups who often take extended holidays after military service. With a direct diplomatic presence, Fiji is better placed to market itself as a Pacific paradise to Israeli visitors.
There is also potential in faith-based tourism. Many Fijians travel overseas for pilgrimages and spiritual events. An embassy in Jerusalem may encourage reciprocal flows — visitors who are interested in cultural exchanges, religious connections, or peacebuilding programs.
These are niche markets, but they can add diversity to our tourism base and bring new energy to local businesses.
In practical terms, Fiji could benefit in several key areas if it plays its cards right. In agriculture and food security, Israel’s expertise in drip irrigation and climate-resilient crops could be piloted in our rural and maritime communities.
This would not only strengthen local farming but also reduce our reliance on imports.
Water security is another area where Israel’s experience with desalination and water recycling could ease the drought pressures faced by many of our islands.
Each of these areas delivers real and visible benefits to Fijians. They also provide positive stories to share with Australia and New Zealand, showing that the new partnership is about practical gains rather than politics.
The decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem is bold and will not please everyone. But diplomacy is often about making difficult choices while keeping the national interest in sight. If Fiji can turn this relationship into better healthcare, stronger farming systems, digital security, and new tourism opportunities, then the move will have lasting value.
For now, the key is balance.
We must reassure our other global partners that their friendship remains central while still exploring fresh opportunities that new partnerships can bring. Until next week, take care and be safe.
ARNOLD CHANEL is an investor and business executive with years of tech expertise. He can be contacted on ceo@vanguardtech. pro. The views expressed in this article are his and not of this newspaper
