Fiji is confronted with significant obstacles in reconstructing its fundamental institutions, which have been weakened by years of military governance and the loss of institutional knowledge due to retirements and emigration. This has resulted in a decline in skills and the ability of these institutions to provide honest and informed advice to the government.
This issue is emphasized in Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper 2024, unveiled at the Grand West Pacific Hotel in Suva on Monday. The report indicates that robust institutions are crucial for effective governance, a principle that is true for foreign policy as well as other governmental areas.
“An effective foreign policy depends on a capable Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and a network of diplomatic missions with clear goals, thorough performance assessments, and the requisite tradecraft and analytical abilities.
To build a team of professional Fijian diplomats, the report proposes focused recruitment and skills training through the creation of a Diplomatic Training Centre within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This center is expected to not only enhance diplomatic training locally but could also serve as a training hub for diplomats from neighboring countries, especially from small island nations with limited diplomatic resources.
“Diplomatic tradecraft includes the skills necessary to identify interests, cultivate relationships, evaluate issues in relation to Fiji’s national interests, engage social and other networks to further these interests, and notify the government about external actions that may affect Fiji’s interests. These also require specialized skills.
“Negotiating trade agreements, securing foreign investment, comprehending market access obstacles, and understanding the needs of foreign investors are all vital for advancing Fiji’s international interests. All of these competencies begin with a thorough understanding of Fiji’s economic framework, growth drivers, risk factors, and how domestic and international policies interact.”
The report highlights that the operations of Fiji’s diplomatic posts are pivotal to the effectiveness of its foreign policy.