Bula Vinaka and a good day to you all!
Firstly, on all our behalf I pay tribute to the traditional landowners of this site, the Elders past, present and future, vua na Momo na Jui Nahoqo, kei na vanua raraba o Nadroga Navosa, vua Na Momo na Kwalevu.
We gather are here to celebrate a truly historic moment, for Fiji, the Pacific, and indeed the entire region – the groundbreaking ceremony of Google’s state-of-the-art ICT facility in Fiji.
This is a milestone for technology; and moreso, it is a giant leap forward for Fiji, in our shared aspirations for a more connected and prosperous future.
We are here to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony of this ICT facility which will hold a new Cable Landing Station, and will house its vital infrastructure – including state of the art Data Transmission Servers and Racks; as well as power generating equipment – to support international fiber optic cables that Google will lay into and in Fiji. This infrastructure will further project Fiji as a hub for digital connectivity within the Pacific.
The ICT facility will house the second cable landing station in Viti Levu, and one which will strengthen Fiji’s internet connectivity, and make it more resilient, with two landings stations, one in the Central Division and one here in the West.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Google is investing in four new international sub-sea cables which will connect to Fiji. One connects Fiji with the United States, two others connect Fiji to Australia and Japan and the fourth is the first intercontinental fiber optic route that connects Asia Pacific with South America – connecting Fiji to Chile.
For us in Fiji, this is more than just an investment in connectivity – it is an investment in people, progress, and people. Developing resilient infrastructure is ‘critical to development advancement’, and the Fiji Government has prioritized supporting such initiatives that will contribute greatly to Fiji’s development into a digital economy.
I recall meeting with Mr. Brian Quigley and his colleagues from Google when they presented this visionary project to the Economic Strategy Committee of Cabinet. During that meeting, they presented their plan to lay submarine cables across the Pacific, landing cables in Fiji as part of their plan to increase connectivity in the Pacific.
The vision of the project is aligned perfectly with Fiji Government’s vision of fostering economic growth, strengthening our infrastructure, and enhancing opportunities for all Fijians vision that works towards “Émpowering the people of Fiji in Unity”. In this day and age, connectivity is vital for any communication; information empowers. Google saw Fiji not just as a tourist destination but as a gateway to the Pacific. A gateway of connecting Fiji to the Pacific and the World.
Google presented a bold plan to position Fiji as a digital hub that would empower not only our nation but also our neighbors across the region. I whole heartedly commend Google for having that foresight, and commitment, and banking on our Nation’s success in achieving sustainable growth in development.
Today, as we break ground, we see the fruits of that partnership and the collective effort that brought us here, and will propel us forward!
This facility, will serve as a critical link between the Pacific and the global internet ecosystem, making Fiji a hub for data flow and connectivity in the Pacific region.
What does it mean for Fiji? – Ladies and Gentlemen, let us talk about what this means for Fiji and its people.
According to the Access Partnership report titled “Connecting Fiji: The opportunity for growth and prosperity from subsea internet investment”. It is estimated that this investment by Google is projected to create over 3,600 jobs by 2030. These are not just jobs – they are opportunities for our people to gain skills, contribute meaningfully, and secure their future.
Moreover, the anticipated contribution of USD $250 million to Fiji’s GDP by 2030 is a testament to the scale and impact of this project. This boost will ripple through key sectors such as:
This facility will make Fiji a beacon for innovation and a model for economic resilience in the Pacific, overcoming the challenges of geographic isolation.
This groundbreaking is not the end of the journey – it is the beginning of something extraordinary. It is a testament to what is possible when vision meets action, and when partnerships are built on shared values and goals.
A Boost to Global Connectivity
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Connectivity is the foundation of progress in today’s and tomorrow’s world. With this ICT facility, Fiji will serve as a critical node in the global internet ecosystem, connecting Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. This will strengthen international data flows, foster innovation, and open doors for Pacific communities to participate in the global digital economy and ensure that no Fijian is left behind in this age of technology.
Role of the Fijian Government
As Prime Minister, I assure you that the Coalition Government will continue to champion initiatives that bring progress to Fiji and the Pacific.
Just last week, I signed Google’s approval as the Minister of Foreign Affairs to lay submarine cables into Fiji’s waters for this project. This is symbolic of our Government’s commitment to welcoming world-class innovation and investment.
I commend the efforts of the Minister for Trade Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, and his teams at the Ministry of Trade, the Fiji Trade Commission North America, and Investment Fiji for working with Google as this investment in Fiji becomes a reality. Their work exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that drives our nation forward.
A Call to Global Investors
The impact does not stop here. Google’s decision to invest in Fiji sends a powerful message to the world: Fiji is open for business and the Pacific is ripe with opportunity.
This project sets the stage for other global investors to see the potential of our nation – our skilled workforce, strategic location, and welcoming environment.
We envision that the ICT facility will create a domino effect, encouraging companies in technology, logistics, and other IT related industries to consider Fiji as a base for their operations in the Pacific.
By laying this foundation, we are opening doors to a future where Fiji is not just a beautiful destination but also a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global trade.
Other investors will look to Fiji;
Ladies and Gentleman,
We welcome and are committed to supporting other investors who are interested in Fiji.
A Shared Future
As Prime Minister, I stand here filled with pride and optimism. Today we are not just breaking the ground for a new facility and opportunities – we are opening a new chapter in Fiji’s story.
As Fiji takes this bold step forward, we do so with the understanding that our progress is interconnected with the progress of our neighbors. We will continue to advocate for regional collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of this investment extend far beyond our shores.
On behalf of the Government of Fiji, let me reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting Google and other investors who share our passion for building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Fiji.
To our friends at Google, vinaka vakalevu. Thank you for believing in Fiji, for recognizing the potential of the Pacific, and for partnering with us on this transformative journey.
To everyone involved in this project, including partners from the United States Government and the Australian Government who are supporting the greater Pacific Connect Initiative, thank you for your support for Fiji and the Greater Pacific Region.
May our efforts continue to inspire and drive positive changes for our Fiji.
Vinaka Vakalevu and thank you for being part of this transformative journey.
May God bless us all and God bless Fiji!