THE new Quad-led port initiative will be driven purely by development and regional cooperation, with Government stressing it is not linked to geopolitical rivalry or directed at any single country.
Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua said the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will launch its pilot infrastructure project in Fiji, is focused on strengthening economic growth, state capacity and regional security cooperation. The Quad comprises Australia, Japan, India and the United States.
Speaking to media, Mr Tikoduadua dismissed suggestions that the initiative should be viewed through a China lens, saying there were no security concerns.
The Quad is made up of Australia, Japan, India and the United States.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the initiative as the strongest commitment yet by the Quad to the Pacific.
Mr Tikoduadua dismissed suggestions the initiative was aimed at destabilising China’s influence in Fiji.
“It’s a port facility – it’s good for the development of Fiji and the region,” he said.
“Allows Fiji to support all of the functions of the state in developing the economy and security.”
Mr Tikoduadua said the project would not only benefit Fiji, but also the wider region.
“To a certain degree, you can also say that it enhances security regionally for everyone.”
He said final determinations were still being made.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiusa Ditoka also said Fiji’s foreign policy decisions would not be dictated by the interests of other countries.
He said Fiji maintained friendly relations with both China and the United States.
PM: Suva Port eyed under Quad plan
THE Suva Port is expected to be among the major considerations under the recently announced Quad-led ports initiative in Fiji.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed this yesterday, saying the initiative was purely for development and not military purposes.
Mr Rabuka said the Quad announcement was linked to efforts to help Fiji respond to major development challenges, including climate change, slow economic growth, unemployment and productivity.
“They want to help us so that we get up to the various targets that have been set by the international community on how nations tackle the challenges of the Millennium,” Mr Rabuka said.
He said Fiji would submit its voluntary report to the highlevel political forum at the United Nations in July next year.
“We are on our way to achieving our targets, our compliance targets with those things that are set before us. So now it’s an added one.”
Mr Rabuka said Fiji had previously been looking at development projects with partners on a bilateral basis, but the Quad announcement was encouraging because it came through a multilateral body.
He said one of the major projects being considered was the Suva Port at Rokobili.
“Whether we can fit it into that or we will still move ahead looking for public-private participation, based on the plans we already have.”
Mr Rabuka said other possible development priorities included a major convention centre in Suva, the upgrade of Nausori into a fully international standard airport, and stadium development.
Minister for Transport and Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the possible Quad backed upgrade of the Suva Port would be a major boost for commerce and trade, strengthening the movement of fuel, goods, raw materials and other imports that Fiji depends on.
