Lau unveils ambitious economic blueprint to drive investment and growth

Lau has embarked on an ambitious drive to reshape its economic future, with a new investment strategy, commercial expansion and long-term development plan expected to create new opportunities across the island group.

Closing the 2026 Lau Provincial Council meeting on Thursday, the Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, said the province was answering the President's call to move into "deeper waters" through action rather than words.

"There is one plan for Lau, not two," the Tui Nayau said.

He said the newly launched Lau Economic Think Tank Group, comprising senior Lauan leaders from finance, commerce, government and the professions, would serve as the economic advisory arm of the Lau Strategic Development Plan (LSDP).

As the province's economic think tank, the group will help identify investment opportunities, attract capital and guide long-term economic growth while supporting practical outcomes for the people of Lau.

The wider development plan, covering social services, human capital, climate resilience and governance, is being developed jointly by the Lau Provincial Council and the Commissioner's Eastern Office and is expected to be completed by October.

"One plan, one voice, one direction."

The Tui Nayau also outlined a series of initiatives endorsed by the Provincial Council through Yatu Lau Company, the province's commercial arm founded by the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

The proposals include establishing Yatu Lau Shipping Limited, which is expected to begin Suva-Lau services in 2027 through a joint venture with Yavirau Shipping, expanding retail and co-operative stores on Lakeba, Vanua Balavu and Moala, creating a construction and civil engineering company, extending the Yatu Lau hotel and conference facilities, and launching a 2027 share drive to give every Lauan family the opportunity to own shares in the company.

"Nothing sails empty," the Tui Nayau said.

"Every voyage serves the vanua in both directions."

He also confirmed that Lau had formally presented its submission to the Fiji Constitution Review Committee, calling for the restoration of a reformed and apolitical Great Council of Chiefs, the protection of iTaukei land and customary rights, and the independence of the judiciary.

The submission, he said, reflected Lau's commitment to national unity while protecting indigenous interests.

"A stronger Lau means a stronger Fiji, with prosperity built not for one community but by all communities together," he said.

Paying tribute to delegates and organisers, the Tui Nayau said the province would continue to move forward together.

"The deep water does not frighten us, because we do not sail alone," he said.

"We sail together, in the spirit of solesolevaki that has always been the strength of Lau