Official Groundbreaking Ceremony – New Carriage Sawmill Project

Salutation

• The Honourable Ministers and Assistant Ministers present;
• Na Gone Turaga na Tui Vitogo;
  Na Tui Ba;
• The Chairman and Board of Trustees of the Fiji Pine Trust;
• The Executive Chairman and Board of Directors of Fiji Pine Group;
• The Chief Executive Officer of iTaukei Land Trust Board;
• Senior Government Officials;
• Management, staff and employees of Fiji Pine Group and Tropik Wood Industries;
• Distinguished guests, invited dignitaries;
• Ladies and gentlemen.

Ni sa bula vina’a and a very good morning to you all.

1. Let me begin by acknowledging and paying my deepest respects to the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather today.

2. Ki Sukanacagi, vua na Momo na Tui Vitogo;
   ki na vanua raraba, na Momo na Tui Yakete;
   ki na vanua Saqele, vua na Momo na Taukei Saqele;
   kei na Vanua Tiliva Bukuya Vale Levu Nawaiviluri, vua na Momo na Tui Ba – past, present and emerging leaders.

 

3. I acknowledge the Chiefs, elders, past, present and emerging leaders, and the communities who continue to uphold the responsibility of caring for the Vanua.

4. The traditional ceremonies and blessings conducted today remind us that development must always respect our culture, our heritage, and our enduring relationship with the land.

5. The partnership between Government, traditional landowners, communities, and investors is fundamental to ensuring that economic development delivers lasting benefits for all Fijians.

 

A NEW CHAPTER FOR FIJI’S FORESTRY INDUSTRY

6. Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a significant milestone — not only for Tropik Wood Industries and Fiji Pine Group, but for the future of Fiji’s forestry sector and our broader economic transformation journey.
7. We gather to officially break ground for the New Carriage Sawmill Project — an investment that represents far more than a modern processing facility.

8. It represents our commitment to transforming forestry from a resource-based industry into a value-added, globally competitive, and sustainable sector.

9. For many years, Fiji’s forests have supported livelihoods, communities, and economic activity. However, the greatest value is achieved when we process, manufacture, and create products of higher value here in Fiji.

10. Today, we take an important step towards changing that narrative. This project reflects the aspirations of Vision 2050 — building a resilient, productive, and prosperous Fiji where our natural resources are sustainably utilised to create opportunities for the current and future generations

DRIVING ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION THROUGH VALUE ADDITION

11. Ladies and gentlemen, the New Carriage Sawmill Project demonstrates the type of investment required to transform our economy.

12. With an investment of approximately $35 million, this project reflects confidence in the future of Fiji’s forestry industry and our ability to compete in international markets.

13. It represents investment in higher value addition; improved productivity; skilled employment; technology and innovation; export competitiveness; and sustainable utilisation of our natural resources.

14. By strengthening our timber processing capacity, Fiji will retain greater economic value within the country, create more opportunities for local businesses, and generate stronger returns from our forest resources.

15. This is how we build a stronger economy — by investing in productive industries that create jobs, expand opportunities, and contribute to long-term national growth.

UNLOCKING THE VALUE OF FIJI’S MAHOGANY RESOURCES

16. Ladies and gentlemen, this investment comes at an important time for Fiji’s forestry sector.

17. Our mahogany plantations are among Fiji’s most valuable natural assets, recognised internationally for their premium quality and market potential.

18. However, the true value of this resource is not realised through harvesting alone. The opportunity lies in processing, manufacturing, and producing higher-value timber products that can compete globally.

19. The New Carriage Sawmill will strengthen our ability to maximise the value of Fiji’s mahogany resources, generating greater economic returns, supporting skills development and its employment, and creating opportunities throughout the supply chain.

20. This is the pathway towards a forestry industry that contributes meaningfully to Fiji’s ambition of becoming a resilient, high-income economy.

EMPOWERING LANDOWNERS AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

21. Ladies and gentlemen, at the centre of this investment are the people of Fiji — particularly our iTaukei landowners and communities whose stewardship of our forests makes this industry possible.

22. Our forests are not simply economic assets. They represent our identity, heritage, and responsibility to future generations.

23. Government believes that sustainable development must ensure that those who are custodians of our resources are also meaningful partners in their economic utilisation.

24. Through strong partnerships, this project will support employment opportunities; skills development; local business participation; greater economic activities; and long-term benefits for landowning communities.

25. When Government, traditional owners, communities, and investors work together, development becomes more inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.

PARTNERSHIP, RESILIENCE AND RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT

26. Ladies and gentlemen, projects of this scale are achieved through vision, collaboration and perseverance.

27. The journey towards today’s milestone required careful planning, adaptation, and commitment from many stakeholders.

28. I commend the leadership, management, and employees of Tropik Wood Industries and Fiji Pine Group for their determination to overcome challenges and bring this important project to fruition.

29. Their efforts demonstrate that progress is possible when we work together with a shared purpose and confidence in Fiji’s future.

30. As Government continues to encourage investment and economic growth, we remain committed to ensuring that development is supported by good governance, informed decision-making, and strong partnerships.

31. Our role is to create an environment where businesses can invest, innovate, create, and contribute to national development.

 

 

 

JOB CREATION, PRODUCTIVITY AND PRIVATE SECTOR-LED GROWTH

32. Ladies and gentlemen, the true measure of this project is not only the size of the investment, but the opportunities it creates for our people.

33. The New Carriage Sawmill Project will contribute to Fiji’s economy by creating employment during construction and operations; developing skilled workers in modern timber processing; supporting local contractors, suppliers, and businesses; strengthening rural economic activities; and expanding Fiji’s export capacity through higher-value products.

34. The Government I lead firmly believes that sustainable economic growth must be built through partnership with the private sector.

35. Government cannot create prosperity alone. Our responsibility is to establish the conditions for businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and communities to succeed.

36. This project sends a clear message – Fiji is open for responsible investment.

37. We welcome investors who share our commitment to sustainable development, innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth. Together, we can build a stronger, more diversified, and more resilient economy.

 

SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

38. Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate this milestone, we must also recognise our responsibility as custodians of Fiji’s natural environment.

39. The future of forestry must be built on sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible management.

40. Our forests provide economic opportunities, but they also protect our environment, support biodiversity, and strengthen the resilience of our communities.

41. The New Carriage Sawmill Project represents the balance we seek — creating economic opportunities while ensuring that our forest resources remain protected and productive for generations to come.

 

CLOSING – BUILDING A SHARED FUTURE FOR FIJI

42. Ladies and gentlemen, today, we are not simply breaking ground for a new sawmill. We are breaking ground for a new chapter in Fiji’s economic transformation.

43. We are demonstrating that our natural resources can become the foundation for value creation, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.

44. We are demonstrating that when Government, traditional landowners, communities, workers, and the private sector unite behind a common vision, we can achieve great things for our nation.
45. I congratulate the Executive Chairman, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, the Board of Directors, management, and employees of Tropik Wood Industries and Fiji Pine Group for reaching this historic milestone.

46. I also acknowledge and thank the traditional landowners, Government agencies, partners, contractors, and all stakeholders who have contributed to this achievement.

47. As we turn the soil today, let us do so with confidence and determination.

48. Confidence in our resources. Confidence in our people. Confidence in Fiji’s future.

49. Together, we will continue building a Fiji where our resources create prosperity, where our communities are empowered, and where future generations inherit a stronger and more resilient nation.

50. May God bless this project.

51. May God bless our workers and their families and may God continue to bless our beloved Fiji.

52. Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.

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