Salutations
- The Distinguished Ambassador Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Wang Yuan;
- Honourable Ministers;
- Government Officials;
- Distinguished guests;
- Members of the Diplomatic Corp;
- Members of the media;
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
Ni sa bula vina’a and a very good afternoon to you all.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we gather today, ki Nadonumai vua na Gone Turaga na Tui Suva.
We honour their leaders – past, present and emerging.
We also acknowledge their enduring role within the Vanua and remain grateful for their custodianship over their lands, waters and resources.
Introduction
- It is a great honour and privilege to be part of this important event – the official approval of the external review of the preliminary design for the China-Aid Fiji Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project.
- Today’s gathering marks a significant step forward in our national development journey. It also highlights the strong partnership between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China, built on mutual respect and shared goals to improve Fiji’s infrastructure and boost our economy.
China-Aid Fiji Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project
- As we come together with hope and dedication, we reaffirm our commitment to making Vanua Levu more connected, resilient, and prosperous. This project is a key part of Fiji’s broader development plan to improve transportation, strengthen regional links, and create new opportunities for social and economic growth across our islands.
- This is a proud moment for our nation. After two years of careful planning and discussions, we are pleased to share that the initial work, including field surveys and the preliminary design, has been successfully completed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Throughout this process, the Chinese team has worked closely with landowners, community leaders, and local residents along the proposed route. Their voices and needs have been heard and included, reflecting our shared focus on sustainable development and community-led growth.
- Looking ahead, China will now move forward with finalising detailed design plans and starting the process to select a qualified contractor. This important infrastructure project aligns with Fiji’s National Development Plan, which aims to promote inclusive economic growth, regional connectivity, and resilient infrastructure. It also supports the Fiji Roads Authority’s efforts to modernise and upgrade roads on Vanua Levu, opening new economic opportunities and improving the lives of our communities.
- This project also advances Fiji’s commitment to rural and maritime development by improving access, mobility, and service delivery for communities that have long faced geographic constraints. By strengthening land transport links, the project will enhance connectivity between rural villages, agricultural areas, and community hubs, enabling more efficient movement of people, goods, and services.
- This initiative also aligns strongly with Fiji’s “Look North Policy”, which seeks to unlock the untapped economic potential of the Northern Division.
- Vanua Levu holds tremendous opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, forestry, and other natural resource-based industries. However, limited infrastructure has historically constrained growth and investment in the region.
- Improved road infrastructure supports rural livelihoods by reducing transport costs, improving access to markets, education, and healthcare, and fostering stronger links between transport networks.
- Funded through a FJD 300 million grant from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, this project will upgrade over 80 kilometers of rural roads in key areas. These include the Nabouwalu Road to Nasolo (15 km), the Natewa West Coast Road from Nacavanadi to Korotasere (32 km), and the Wailevu West Coast Road from Nabalebale to Dogoru (35 km). This investment aims to improve connectivity, promote economic activity, and support the sustainable development of rural communities in Vanua Levu.
Outcomes of the Project
- The outcomes of this project will be wide-reaching and will greatly improve infrastructure, create more economic opportunities, and make it easier for people and communities in Vanua Levu to access services. Better roads and connections are at the heart of these benefits.
- More than 20 new bridges will be built to replace old and damaged ones, making our roads safer, more reliable, and stronger.
- These improvements will not only make travel safer but will also help communities connect more easily to essential services, markets, and job opportunities.
- This project will directly benefit 61 villages and 15 schools, ensuring safer and more consistent access to education, healthcare, and markets. It will also enhance access to healthcare and essential government services and improve the overall quality of life for thousands of residents in the Northern Division.
- Beyond just infrastructure, these upgrades will help reduce rural isolation, strengthen community bonds, and promote fair development. Overall, this project is an important step toward growing the economy, empowering our people, and building a stronger, more connected Vanua Levu.
- Enhanced infrastructure creates real opportunities for local participation, employment, and skills development during construction and beyond. By improving access to markets, services, and information, rural communities are better positioned to grow small businesses, strengthen agricultural value chains, and participate more fully in the national economy.
- On the enhancement of social services, this project aims to improve roads to help about 10,000 residents access healthcare services more safely and quickly. It will also enhance connectivity to 15 schools and higher education institutions, making it easier for our young people to attend school regularly and succeed. These upgrades will support the delivery of government services to rural and coastal communities, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that no Fijian is left behind.
- Better roads will play an important role in supporting economic growth. They will help farmers transport yaqona, dalo, and other products more easily, reducing losses and opening new opportunities to sell their goods in new markets. Improved access will also boost tourism in Savusavu, attracting more visitors to our beautiful islands. During the construction phase, local jobs will be created, providing immediate support to families and helping to strengthen our communities.
- In terms of supporting regional growth, this project is a clear example of our dedication to empowering rural communities through initiatives like “One Village at a Time.” By building infrastructure that encourages self-reliance, improves livelihoods, and promotes sustainability, we are laying a strong foundation for long-term growth.
- Building resilience is a key priority as Fiji responds to climate change, natural disasters, and economic shocks. This project supports resilience by improving road quality, safety, and reliability, helping communities remain connected during extreme weather events and emergencies.
- Stronger transport networks enhance disaster preparedness and response, ensures continuity of essential services, and reduces vulnerability for remote and rural areas.
- By integrating resilience into our development approach, we are not only protecting investments but also safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening the long-term sustainability of our communities and our nation.
- Furthermore, this project will help develop Nabouwalu as a key regional hub, strengthening its role as a vital link to Viti Levu. This will lead to more economic activity, better regional connections, and balanced growth across our islands, supporting our national goals of reducing poverty, empowering rural communities, and creating opportunities for youth, women, and girls.
- All of these efforts aim to achieve an average GDP growth rate of 6% annually and foster a prosperous, inclusive Fiji.
Conclusion
- In closing, I want to emphasise that this project is more than just building roads and bridges. It is an investment in our people, our communities, and our shared future.
- It demonstrates the strong partnership between Fiji and China, based on mutual respect and a common vision of sustainable and inclusive growth.
- As we move to the next phase, I encourage everyone involved to continue working together with the same spirit of teamwork and dedication that has brought us this far. The true success of this project will be seen not only in the infrastructure we build but in the positive changes it brings to people’s lives, the opportunities it creates, and the foundation it provides for our long-term development.
