Pakistan and Fiji Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Agriculture and Emerging Technologies

Strategic Insights -

A four-member delegation from the Fiji National University (FNU), led by Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Isimeli Tagicakiverata, visited Islamabad, Pakistan, from June 30 to July 4, 2025, to explore areas of cooperation in agriculture and emerging technologies. The visit marked a new chapter in agriculture and Trek III diplomacy for Pakistan. The National Productivity Organization (NPO) coordinated the visit to prominent research institutes and farms in Punjab. The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar, met with the Fijian delegation, highlighting Pakistan's potential for bilateral cooperation in areas such as sugarcane yield, smart farming, and agri-tech. Pakistan aims to export its food products to the Fijian market, with a projected 13.7% increase in sugarcane production for 2025/26.

Key Takeaways:

  • The visit of the Fijian delegation to Pakistan indicates a new chapter in agriculture and Trek III diplomacy for Pakistan.
  • The National Productivity Organization (NPO) coordinated the visit to explore areas of cooperation in agriculture and emerging technologies.
  • Pakistan aims to expand its food exports to the Fijian market, with a potential increase in sugarcane production.
  • The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar, reflected on Pakistan's richness in natural resources and minerals, and highlighted the potential for bilateral cooperation in areas such as sugarcane yield, smart farming, and agri-tech.
  • Pakistan can engage the 6% Muslim population of Fiji to build strong cultural ties between both nations.
  • The visit can establish a strong foundation of bilateral relations based on people-to-people contacts and open new avenues of cooperation in food security, bilateral trade, science, and technology, climate diplomacy, and educational and cultural exchanges.
  • Pakistan can seize the opportunity to export its food products to the Fijian market, with the sugarcane industry being a potential sector for export.
  • Fiji imports pharmaceutical products from regional countries, including India, and Pakistan aims to boost its pharmaceutical exports to $5 billion by 2030.
  • Pakistan can export its sugarcane to Fiji to enter the markets of the Oceania region and help the country achieve its target of $60 billion in exports by 2027.
  • Both countries can launch joint ventures for climate-resilient agriculture projects, such as developing expertise in water-efficient irrigation techniques, smart farming, dairy farming, and soil health solutions.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan's sugarcane production for 2025/26 is projected to be 13.7% higher compared to 2024/25.
  • Pakistan aims to export its food products to the Fijian market, with a potential increase in sugarcane production.
  • Pakistan aims to boost its pharmaceutical exports to $5 billion by 2030.
  • India exported sugar and sugar confectionery worth $105.81 thousand to Fiji in 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database.
  • Pakistan aims to reach $60 billion in exports by 2027.

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