SUVA – The Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport of Fiji, in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), successfully concluded the Bilateral Workshop on Port and Maritime Transport Technology, held from 12 to 13 June 2025 at the Holiday Inn, Suva.
The two-day workshop brought together key government stakeholders, maritime sector professionals, and development partners to strengthen technical cooperation and exchange knowledge between Fiji and Japan on areas critical to building resilient, efficient, and sustainable maritime infrastructure.
Delivering the opening remarks, Permanent Secretary Mr. Paula Baleilevuka acknowledged the longstanding friendship and collaboration between Fiji and Japan, particularly in the area of transport infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of modernizing maritime systems to respond to the impacts of climate change, meet growing trade demands, and align with international standards.
“This workshop comes at a critical time for Fiji and the Pacific region. Safe and efficient maritime transport is the backbone of our economies and a lifeline for our communities,” Mr. Baleilevuka said. “We are grateful to the Government of Japan and MLIT for your continued support and commitment to regional cooperation.”
Participants engaged in technical sessions led by Japanese experts covering port planning and operations, maritime safety, disaster resilience, and the integration of new technologies. The workshop also provided a platform Fiji to share local experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore innovative solutions to improve maritime connectivity.
On Day 2, 13 June 2025, participants undertook a guided technical tour of the Port of Suva, hosted by Fiji Ports Corporation Limited in collaboration with Fiji Ports Terminal Limited. The visit offered firsthand insights into port operations, infrastructure improvements, and opportunities for adopting advanced technologies. The tour also facilitated practical discussions on strengthening port resilience, safety, and efficiency across the region.
As a way forward, Fiji and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation through follow-up technical exchanges, joint feasibility studies, and targeted capacity-building programmes. The Ministry is also exploring opportunities to integrate Japanese maritime innovations into its national port master planning process and to further engage MLIT and Japanese institutions in supporting Fiji’s transition to climate-resilient and low-emission maritime transport systems.
The workshop underscores the shared commitment of Fiji and Japan to strengthening maritime cooperation and fostering sustainable development in the Pacific.