Fiji Seeks to Elevate Development Partnership with KOICA

SEOUL, 14 August 2026 — Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka, held discussions with the Acting President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Mr Lee Yun-young, to strengthen Fiji–Korea development cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.

Minister Ditoka expressed Fiji’s sincere appreciation for KOICA’s longstanding and meaningful contribution to Fiji’s development, particularly in health, renewable energy, climate resilience, rural development, marine resources and human capacity development.

The Minister highlighted the growing impact of KOICA’s engagement in Fiji, including the KOICA–Fiji National University Simulation Centre, renewable energy initiatives in maritime communities, and support for the Makogai Mariculture Research Centre.

Looking ahead, Minister Ditoka called for the partnership to evolve towards a more strategic and longer-term model of development cooperation, with greater emphasis on resilience, technology transfer, skills development and institutional strengthening.

The discussions identified potential areas for expanded cooperation, including energy resilience, maritime and shipbuilding capabilities, aviation and MRO, digitalisation, health and climate resilience.

Minister Ditoka also emphasised Fiji’s ambition to increasingly serve as a platform for regional capacity building in the Pacific. “Strengthening Fiji’s institutions, infrastructure and technical capabilities can create opportunities for knowledge-sharing, training and services that benefit neighbouring Pacific Island Countries”, said Minister Ditoka.

Minister Ditoka also informed KOICA of Fiji’s intention to reopen its resident Embassy in Seoul in the second half of 2027, subject to the necessary Government processes. The reopening will provide a stronger platform for sustained engagement with the Korean Government, KOICA, Korean institutions and the private sector.

The meeting reaffirmed Fiji and Korea’s shared commitment to building on the strong foundation of their development partnership and translating it into practical, forward-looking cooperation that delivers lasting benefits for the people of Fiji and the Pacific region.

KOICA, the Republic of Korea’s leading development cooperation agency, plays an important role in supporting sustainable development through grant assistance, technical cooperation, capacity building and knowledge-sharing with partner countries.