Fiji and UAE Set to Ignite Economic Partnership: What’s Next?

Fiji and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are advancing towards strengthened economic relations through the initiation of negotiations for a significant Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) designed for the Pacific Island nations. This pivotal decision was reached during a high-level virtual meeting involving Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and UAE representative Omar Al-Omar, with participation from senior trade officials and diplomats from both countries.

The agreement is poised to expand the economic ties between the Gulf region and the Pacific, reflecting a growing collaboration aimed at fostering mutual development. The framework for the EPA will be introduced at the upcoming Pacific Trade Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for July 9-11 in Fiji. If endorsed, further negotiations are expected to continue into August, with the goal of finalizing the agreement at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in September.

During the meeting, it was confirmed that work on the draft EPA text would commence immediately, with the UAE preparing a baseline draft to facilitate a quicker negotiation process by referencing existing agreements with Australia and New Zealand. Shaheen Ali, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Trade, has been appointed as the focal point for coordinating technical and policy discussions from the Fijian side.

This development resonates with earlier efforts to solidify economic ties, such as the establishment of the UAE-Fiji Joint Business Council (UFJBC) that aims at enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. The MoU for the UFJBC was signed during the World Government Summit in Dubai and signifies a commitment to increased collaboration and private-sector initiatives that could bolster economic opportunities in both Fiji and the UAE.

As the dialogue and engagement between Fiji and the UAE continue to flourish, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the prospects for economic growth, cooperation, and opportunities for businesses in both nations. The continued efforts to formalize these agreements indicate a robust future for trade relations in the Pacific region.