Canada-Fiji relations
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Bilateral relations
The Republic of Fiji is a group of over 330 islands in the Pacific subregion of Melanesia. Fiji’s population of 900,000 is multicultural and multi-ethnic. Fiji's official languages are English, iTaukei, and Hindustani (also known as Fiji Hindi).
Canada and Fiji established diplomatic relations on October 10, 1970. The High Commission of Canada in New Zealand represents Canada to Fiji. There is also an Honorary Consul in the capital city of Suva. The High Commissioner of Fiji in New York City (USA) represents Fiji to Canada. A Fijian Honorary Consul in Vancouver supports a diaspora of approximately 18,000.
Canada and Fiji have warm and long-standing bilateral relations, including through the Commonwealth. Canada and Fiji have shared interests in gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, ending poverty, and fighting climate change.
Trade relations
The Trade Commissioner Service (New Zealand) manages Canada's trade relations with Fiji. In 2019, two-way trade was $34.9 million. Exports to Fiji were $27.4 million in 2019 and were predominantly industrial machinery, equipment and parts. Imports from Fiji were $7.5 million in 2019 and were primarily consumer goods. Canada has had an Air Transport Agreement in force with Fiji since 1974. Tourism, sugar and fisheries are the primary economic activities in Fiji. Canada’s main foreign direct investment in Fiji is in the mining industry.
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Development
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides much of Canada’s development assistance to Fiji. The High Commission of Canada in New Zealand administers CFLI in Fiji. Canada has contributed over $1.25 million to organizations implementing CFLI projects in Fiji since 2012. CFLI has supported projects for gender equality, improving food security, combatting human trafficking and strengthening Fiji's response to COVID-19.
Through UN Women, Canada is providing $3.85 million to the Pacific Islands’ Markets for Change project. This project supports female merchants in rural and urban markets in Fiji, as well as Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Markets for Change helps markets provide safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory environments.
Canada is also contributing $10 million to the Kiwa Initiative. The Kiwa Initiative will help Fiji and other Pacific Island countries adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity and build resilience. This contribution will support projects focused on adapting to climate change, ocean governance and the environment.
Canada provides support to multilateral and global organizations that are in the Pacific. Recent areas of support include climate change, forest management, and emergency disaster relief.
Scholarship opportunities are available for Fijian students to study or conduct research in Canada. Academic agreements help grow research relationships and student exchanges. For a complete list of available scholarships by country, visit International Scholarships.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Fiji work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- United Nations
- World Trade Organization
- World Health Organization
- International Monetary Fund
- Canada is also a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum to which Fiji belongs.
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