The Fiji government has welcomed the announcement made following the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting confirming support for the development of Fiji’s ports.
The Quad comprises the United States, Australia, India and Japan.
In a statement, the Fiji government said the development and modernization of the country’s port infrastructure remains a key national priority aligned with Fiji’s National Development Plan.
The government said consultations between central government agencies and development partners are ongoing, with the Ministry of Finance leading efforts on the development of Fiji’s compact with the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Fiji said improving port efficiency and strengthening the business regulatory environment are important to enhancing maritime connectivity and supporting regional economic integration.
The government added that more efficient port infrastructure would help build more resilient and connected Pacific economies.
“Fiji welcomes engagement with partners that support Fiji’s long-term development priorities and contribute towards improving regional connectivity and shared prosperity across the Pacific,” the statement said.
The Quad announcement was made following a meeting of foreign ministers in New Delhi, where the four countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening infrastructure, maritime security and economic resilience across the Indo-Pacific region. The grouping said cooperation with Pacific island countries would remain a strategic priority.
According to the joint statement issued after the meeting, the Quad partners intend to coordinate closely with the Fiji government on the development of port infrastructure and related activities aimed at improving regional connectivity and supply chain resilience. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to support trusted and sustainable infrastructure development in the Pacific.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the initiative as “the strongest ever commitment from the Quad to the Pacific,” saying the Fiji port project would serve as “a practical demonstration” of the grouping’s ability to deliver “high-quality, resilient infrastructure” in partnership with Pacific countries and in response to regional priorities, according to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation News.
The proposed support for Fiji’s ports comes amid increasing international focus on strategic infrastructure investment in the Pacific, where regional governments have sought greater financing and technical assistance to improve transport links, trade efficiency and economic integration across island economies.
