Roller coaster journey
MANOA Kamikamica’s year-long tenure in office has been a roller coaster journey.
The former chartered accountant is banking on his 33 years of experience in the finance sector to determine ways in which Fiji can grow trade with partner countries and entice investors to set up their businesses here.
But navigating through this crucial ministry encompassing trade and communications was not an easy task, and over 12 months he had to contend with murmurings of upheaval within his political party, his leadership aspirations and capability for the role.
“You have to have a thick skin,” he told The Fiji Times.
And as the Coalition Government heads into its second year in office, Mr Kamikamica listed significant strides made by his ministry.
Ratification of the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS)
The Minister for Trade said Fiji was the first Pacific Island Country to ratify the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
“Fiji deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to the WTO on October 24, 2023, after Fiji’s Parliament unanimously approved the agreement,” Mr Kamikamica said.
“This agreement, achieved after over two decades of negotiations, is a monumental step toward promoting sustainable fishing practices, protecting oceans and ensuring equitable access to marine resources.
“The AFS, the first
WTO agreement placing environmental sustainability at its core, addresses subsidies for illegal fishing and overfished stocks.”
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for Prosperity
FIJI has joined 13 other nations as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for Prosperity.
Mr Kamikamica said Fiji was the first Pacific Island nation and the 14th country to join the IPEF.
The IPEF pillars of cooperation are based on trade, supply chain, clean economy, taxation and anti-corruption.
“Since its launch, the IPEF partners have engaged in intensive discussions to scope out and negotiate each of the four pillars of the framework,” Mr Kamikamica highlighted.
“This framework intends to offer tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth and benefit workers and consumers across the region.
“The 14 IPEF partners represent 60 per cent of the world’s population, 40 per cent of global GDP and 28 per cent of global goods and services trade.”
Fiji’s Fourth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Mr Kamikamica said Fiji had achieved a significant milestone after successfully concluding the country’s fourth Trade Policy Review at WTO from July 19 to 21.
He told this newspaper these reviews analysed trade policies and practices of every member of the WTO.
“All WTO members, including Fiji, are subject to regular trade policy reviews,” he said.
“All WTO members commended Fiji’s commitment to transparent and constructive engagement in global trade and its pivotal role in advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Pacific Island countries.
“Fiji received a total of 169 advanced written questions from various WTO members.
“This substantial engagement and interest from the international community reflect the significance and impact of Fiji’s trade policies and its active role in shaping global trade dynamics.”
MSMEs and Co-operatives
With MSMEs being a crucial part of his portfolio, Mr Kamikamica revealed his ministry had successfully registered 75 new co-operatives last year and conducted ore than 300 awareness sessions across Fiji.
He said 12 cooperatives were revived in the year, which indicated the revival and growth of the cooperative movement.
“We also provided grants amounting to $1.36 million to 412 businesses,” Mr Kamikamica told this newspaper.
“We trained 1100 participants in business literacy, out of which 80 per cent were female participants, and Cabinet also approved the introduction of crowd-funding and small offers as an alternative source of raising funds for MSMEs.”
Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards
The minister also stated the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards was working on various critical standards projects, such as steel reinforcing materials standards, wind loads standards, standards on plywood and TV standards, focusing on energy performance labelling.
Mr Kamikamica said the progress and adoption of wind loads standards, especially with technical advice from James Cook University in Australia, promised more resilient structures.
He said this aligned with climate commitments of the Government and helped to guide stakeholders in the building and construction industry towards accurate practices.
“This effort is essential for ensuring safety, reliability and efficiency in the building and construction industry. The wind loads standards will undoubtedly benefit stakeholders by providing clear guidance and reducing potential errors.”
Plans for 2024
Mr Kamikamica’s ministry now aims to build on the work done in 2023.
He said the ministry would remain focused on implementing tailored policies and support mechanisms to uplift and empower MSMEs and foster their growth.
In addition, Mr Kamikamica said they would look at the MSME legislative landscape via the Co-operative Act and MSME Bill and improve the integration of the existing MSME ecosystem.
“My focus in 2024 is also anchored in steering Fiji’s trade policies to address contemporary challenges and foster sustainable economic growth,” he said.
“Overall, our plan is to underscore the importance of adaptability, inclusivity, and have a forward-looking approach to address the dynamic landscape of international trade.
“The WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) will take place from February 26 to 29, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.”
Mr Kamikamica said this conference was critical to review the functioning of the multilateral trading system and to take action on the future work of the WTO.
“Fiji will actively engage in negotiations to advance discussions on the ‘second wave’ of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and address the deadlock in the reform discussions, with a keen eye on revitalising the dispute settlement mechanism.
“Furthermore, progressing negotiations on agriculture and food security is also vital for Fiji.
“Adoption of international standards in crucial areas like climate change mitigation, building and construction and food safety will undoubtedly enhance Fiji’s practices, ensuring higher quality, safety and sustainability across these sectors.”
Mr Kamikamica said work would also continue to diversify the economy as the year progresses.
My focus in 2024 is also anchored in steering Fiji’s trade policies to address contemporary challenges and foster sustainable economic growth
– Manoa Kamikamica