Fiji’s shipbuilding industry is set to receive a significant boost as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has officially welcomed a feasibility study report aimed at revitalizing this sector. This crucial study, conducted by Arup Australia in conjunction with the Australian High Commission and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), marks an important step towards Fiji’s goal of becoming a maritime hub in the Pacific.
During the presentation, Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated the Coalition Government’s strong commitment to developing Fiji’s shipbuilding capabilities, stating that the project will be executed in phases at a specified shipbuilding site, which will be managed by Oceania Shipbuilding and Engineering Pte Limited—a government-owned entity set up for this purpose.
The feasibility study is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port Infrastructure and Services signed last year between Fiji and Australia. This partnership is critical not only for technical capacity building but also for job creation and nurturing a skilled maritime workforce in Fiji. Rabuka expressed his gratitude to both the Australian Government and AIFFP for their ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in fostering Fiji’s economic and industrial advancement.
The initiative is designed to enhance Fiji’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector, in line with previous discussions highlighting Fiji’s potential and historical prominence in shipbuilding. It aims to create job opportunities and train a new generation of skilled workers, ultimately contributing to economic growth in the region.
This revitalization of Fiji’s shipbuilding industry comes at a promising time, suggesting significant transformation and sustainable growth for the nation’s maritime sector, which positively speaks to its future economic prospects and regional significance. There is a genuine optimism that this collaboration will not only restore Fiji’s position in the shipbuilding arena but also ensure resilience and further development in the years to come.
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