Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau has unveiled his country’s ambitious infrastructure pipeline at the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference, telling partners that long-term resilience and sustainability are central to the government’s agenda.
The three-day conference, organised in Brisbane by the Australia Pacific Business Council, drew senior government officials, development partners, and investors from across the region. Tuisawau’s presentation was among the highlights, outlining Fiji’s 50-Year Water Sector Strategy Plan — a comprehensive roadmap designed to safeguard water security, strengthen climate resilience, and underpin sustainable economic growth.
Participants said the presentation was “well received,” noting that Fiji’s plans demonstrated both vision and practicality. Tuisawau also delivered a keynote on the broader infrastructure priorities of his government, focusing on climate-resilient construction, renewable energy, sustainable transport, and social infrastructure.
While in Brisbane, the Minister met with Grace P. Morgan, director of the Department of Policy and Evaluation at the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The talks centred on Fiji’s infrastructure priorities and its readiness to partner with international institutions.
For its part, the Australian High Commission in Fiji welcomed his participation, saying it was “a pleasure to have Tuisawau” at the conference.
Canberra reaffirmed its support through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and its Social Infrastructure Program, both of which are funding projects aimed at improving essential services in Fiji.
Tuisawau stressed that Fiji’s development agenda cannot be separated from its regional role.
With a population of nearly one million, Fiji is the second most populous Pacific Island country and hosts several regional and international organisations. Its relatively diverse economy — spanning tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services — has made it an important hub for Pacific cooperation.
Australia remains one of Fiji’s largest trade and investment partners. Bilateral economic ties include Australian exports of wheat, liquefied propane and butane, and meat, while Fiji sends gold and garments to Australia. Beyond trade, Australia is Fiji’s leading donor in health and education, and a major source of investment valued at AUD1.34 billion in 2018.
For Fiji, Tuisawau’s message was clear: building the infrastructure of the future requires both vision and collaboration. “Fiji’s strong commitment to international partnerships is central to delivering climate-resilient, sustainable, and inclusive development for our people,” he said.
