The vibrant tourism industry in Fiji

Fijis booming tourist industry does not leave much to be desired, in terms of increased foreign exchange earnings, employment, tangible efforts towards promoting sustainable eco-tourism development, and fortifying mainstream tourism ventures. The thriving industry has facilitated over 400,000 visitors to Fiji annually, and has generated immense revenue for ‘backpacker’ operators and local communities. Sustainable practices such as the inception of eco-tourism, strive to conserve the natural biodiversity along with associated ecosystems and indigenous Fijian culture and tradition; whilst simultaneously generating revenue and sustaining the national economy.

The sugar industry

The sugar industry was acknowledged as the driving force behind the Fijian economy for the better part of the 20th century. The industry employs about a third of the population; most of whom are of indo-Fijian descent. The sugar industry is mainly centered on the cane growing areas of Ba, Lautoka, Sigatoka, Nadi, Tavua, Rakiraki, Labasa and Seaqaqa The harvested product itself, is processed by the Fiji Sugar Corporation; which is owned by the Government in its entirety.

Agriculture and its contribution to the economy

Agriculture is a major contributing sector of the Fijian economy. This is evident whereby it accounts for 43 per cent of Fiji’s foreign earnings. It also provides for 50 percent of the countries total employment, and contributes 19 per cent to Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The majority of land suitable for farming in Fiji is mainly located around coastal plains, river deltas, and valleys of the two main islands of Viti Levu, and Vanua Levu. In terms of viable arable land, 24 per cent is designated for sugar cane, 23 per cent for coconut plantations, and the remaining 53 per cent is allotted for other crops.

The contributions of Rice and Copra to Fiji’s economy

The rice industry in Fiji has made formidable steps towards positive self-sufficiency, whereby Fiji currently grows close to half the amount of rice it needs. The majority of rice is grown in the island of Vanua Levu (70% of rice grown locally), with Nausori and Navua accounting for the remainder of the crop. The lucrative Copra industry has a net value of more than $20 million, and has an immense socio-economic influence whereby around 40,000 households rely on coconuts as a source of cash income.

The role of Kava and Water

The traditionally significant item ‘kava’ has become an important major export earner for Fiji. The implementation of unforeseen trade restrictions by European Union countries and the United States of America, however, has resultantly brought about negative repercussions for kava growers such as a reduction in retail prices. The water industry has shown immense prominence in the American market whereby one of Fiji’s bottled Water Companies; Fiji Water, holds the number two position amongst other bottled water companies. The other bottled water company is that of Aqua Pacific.

The Timber Industry

The most predominant timber industry in Fiji is that of Fiji Pine Limited, which supplies timber for the domestic market; whilst the surplus is exported as woodchips. There is a substantial amount of potential for the Pine market in Fiji whereby there are 42,000 hectares of Pine forests in Fiji; with these forests projected to supply 300,000 tonnes of pinewood annually for the next ten years. In addition to the softwood industry, the hardwood industry mainly comprising of mahogany also holds significant value; and is estimated to be worth in excess of F$500 million.

The Fishing Industry

The Fisheries sector is recognized as Fiji’s fourth largest export industry. The associated marine resource sector has immense potential for expansion, whereby it contributes 20 per cent to total agricultural production, and accounts for 1.5 per cent of GDP. The sector itself hosts a diverse range of resources from Yellow fin, Big eye, Albacore, and Skip- jack tuna species, to Prawn, Seaweed, and Giant clam; which are cultured on a semi-commercial, and subsistence basis. Fiji’s other main fishery export commodity is that of Trochus shells, and Trochus shell buttons.

The Garment Industry

The Garment Industry is commended as Fiji’s second highest foreign exchange earner. The industry itself has been credibly noted as one of the major employers in the economy; however, the export orientated industry relies heavily on preferential market access to Australia and New Zealand. It is also noted that as the Australian and New Zealand economies become more closely integrated and tariffs are being reduced; the level of preference in these markets are being eroded. It is envisaged that successful penetration of the United States and European markets will ensue.