Fiji not using geopolitical rivalry to secure aid, says Finance Minister
Mr Immanuel said Fiji’s approach was one of even-handed partnership, not geopolitical manoeuvring.
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 09:00
Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Imanuel addressing the National Budget Forum 2026 at Civic Centre in Suva on July 1, 2026.
Photo: Asenaca Ratu
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel has rejected suggestions that government has strategically played China, Australia and Western multilateral banks against each other to boost Fiji’s development funding.
Responding to questions on the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Aid Map 2026 Report published yesterday, Mr Immanuel said Fiji’s approach was one of even-handed partnership, not geopolitical manoeuvring.
“For us, we are not playing one against each other,” he said.
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“We are friends to all nations and we leverage our needs towards, or probably for, all the countries. We are not against any country.”
The report found Fiji’s aid had more than doubled since the pandemic through a mix of Australian, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Chinese support
Mr Immanuel pointed to Fiji’s debt position as evidence of responsible borrowing.
“We started with a high debt to GDP ratio. It was reduced, we reduced it, so we’ve been obtaining funds from our partners on a probably sustainable and responsible level.”
Fiji’s debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 91.8 per cent in July 2022 to 79 per cent in 2024 and 2025, before being projected to rise again to 84.8 per cent by July 2027, according to Ministry of Finance figures, amid pressure from the global fuel crisis.
The Pacific Aid Map Report found that Australia remained the Pacific’s largest development partner, disbursing $FJ3.3 billion ($US1.5bn) regionally in 2024, while multilateral lending, including from the ADB and World Bank, continued to expand.
