Salutation
Turaga na Taukei Vidilo and Turaga na Tui Vitogo
Cabinet Ministers and Member of Parliament;
The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr Peter Roberts;
The Board of Directors, Management and staff of Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and Fiji Ports Terminal Limited;
Representatives of the Australia Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP);
Representatives of Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and Fiji Revenue & Customs Services;
Consultants and Contractors;
Distinguished guests; and
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Ni sa bula vina’a and a very good morning to you all.
INTRODUCTION
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand today, na Momo na Taukei Vidilo ena Vanua o Sukanacagi vua na Momo na Tui Vitogo, I pay my respect to their Chiefs, past and present, as well as emerging leaders and acknowledge their status and role in the Vanua, allowing us to stand here today and witness this milestone achievement.
OPENING REMARKS
It is with a deep sense of national purpose and pride that I join you today at Lautoka Port—one of the key pillars of Fiji’s western economic corridor—to officially open the Yard 4 Container Project and to launch the Lautoka Port Master Plan.
This occasion is not simply about commissioning infrastructure. It is a strategic milestone that reflects Government’s deliberate commitment to strengthening the foundations of our economy, enhancing trade connectivity, and positioning Fiji as a resilient and competitive maritime hub within the Pacific region.
It sends a clear and confident message: that Fiji is open for business, that we are investing with intent, and that we are preparing our economy for the demands and opportunities of the future.
Lautoka Port has long served as one of Fiji’s most important economic gateways. As our second international port, it underpins the movement of goods that sustain our industries—agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and trade—and ultimately supports the livelihoods of all Fijians.
Today, we are strengthening that gateway to ensure it remains efficient, modern, and responsive to the evolving needs of our nation and our region.
THE JOURNEY TO TODAY
This achievement is the result of disciplined planning, sound policy direction, and strong partnerships across Government, industry, and our development partners.
In September 2024, we marked the groundbreaking for the Yard 4 Project. Today, we witness its completion alongside other critical upgrades, including the rehabilitation of Queen’s Wharf, strategic dredging works, and the development of a comprehensive Port Master Plan.
These investments reflect a coordinated and forward-looking approach to infrastructure development—one that aligns with Fiji’s national development priorities and strengthens our capacity to facilitate trade, ensure maritime safety, and support economic growth.
The investments made by Fiji Ports Corporation Limited across these projects are significant—not only in financial terms, but in their long-term value to the nation. They demonstrate a clear commitment to modernisation, operational efficiency, and resilience.
A LONG-TERM VISION: ALIGNMENT WITH NATIONAL AND REGIONAL PRIORITIES
The Lautoka Port Master Plan is a document of national and regional significance. It provides a clear, long-term roadmap for transforming this port into a modern, efficient, and climate-resilient maritime gateway.
Importantly, this Plan is aligned with Fiji’s national development agenda and broader regional aspirations under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent—which calls for strengthened connectivity, sustainable economic growth, and enhanced resilience across Pacific Island countries.
The projected growth in trade volumes, container throughput, and maritime activity underscores a clear reality: Fiji must invest today to meet the demands of tomorrow.
Let me share with you what the data tells us about the future of trade through Lautoka:
- Container throughput currently stands at approximately 80,000 TEUs (2023) and is projected to grow between 2.34% and 2.93% annually — reaching up to 120,000 TEUs by 2045 and between 160,000 and 190,000 TEUs by 2053. That is nearly double current volumes.
- Vehicle imports, currently around 2,000 units annually, are expected to grow steadily — with the electric vehicle transition expected to account for 9–12% of car imports by 2030.
- Bulk trade volumes — driven by sugar, molasses, fertiliser, LPG, and iron ore — are projected to grow from approximately 600,000 tons today to between 768,000 and 800,000 tons by 2053. A modest rate of 0.85% to 1.0% per year projected growth.
- Cruise ship calls are recovering strongly post-COVID and are projected to grow from approximately 30 calls in 2024 to between 40 and 50 annually by 2053 — with the potential to deliver up to 250,000 cruise passengers regionally by 2040.
These projections are not merely statistics. They represent expanding economic opportunity, increased trade integration, and improved livelihoods for our people.
The Master Plan therefore provides the strategic framework to guide infrastructure expansion, optimise land use, and ensure that Lautoka Port remains efficient, competitive, and responsive in a rapidly evolving global environment.
THE STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF YARD 4
The Yard 4 Container Project is a timely and targeted response to identified capacity constraints within the port.
By expanding container yard space and improving operational flow, this development strengthens the port’s ability to manage increasing cargo volumes while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
More importantly, it enhances logistics coordination, reduces congestion, and supports improved turnaround times—critical factors in maintaining Fiji’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
This is not simply an infrastructure upgrade. It is a strategic enabler of trade facilitation, economic activity, and private sector growth.
It supports our farmers in accessing markets, our businesses in moving goods efficiently, and our economy in remaining connected to global supply chains.
PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
This milestone reflects the strength of partnerships.
We acknowledge with appreciation the support of the Australia Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, whose investment demonstrates confidence not only in Fiji’s infrastructure agenda but in the broader vision for regional connectivity and prosperity.
We also commend GHD (Fiji) Ltd for their technical expertise and professionalism in delivering the Port Master Plan.
To the Board, Management, and staff of Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, we acknowledge your leadership and stewardship in advancing Fiji’s port infrastructure and positioning our maritime sector for the future.
And to all contractors, stakeholders, and workers—your contribution has been critical. This achievement stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through collaboration, shared vision, and commitment.
THE ROAD AHEAD
While today marks an important milestone, it also signals the beginning of the next phase of development.
The Master Plan outlines a clear pathway for continued investment in infrastructure, systems, and capabilities over the coming decades.
As Government, we remain committed to advancing this vision in a manner that is fiscally responsible, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with our national priorities.
Central to this is climate resilience. As a Small Island Developing State, Fiji must ensure that its infrastructure is designed not only for growth, but for durability in the face of climate change and external shocks.
This is consistent with our national commitments and our leadership role within the Pacific region.
CLOSING REMARKS
Ladies and Gentlemen, trade remains the lifeblood of our economy, and our ports are critical enablers of that economic activity.
Investments such as the Yard 4 Container Project are therefore investments in our people, our industries, and our future.
They reflect a government that is focused on delivery, committed to reform, and determined to build a modern, inclusive, and resilient economy.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and supporting sustainable economic growth—both nationally and across the Pacific.
As we officially open this facility, we do so with confidence in the future and clarity of purpose.
We are building not just for today, but for generations to come.
It is now my great pleasure to officially declare the Lautoka Port Yard 4 Container Project open.
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. God bless Fiji.