Suva, Lautoka ports first for Quad upgrade

Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka says Suva and Lautoka will be the first ports upgraded under the newly announced Quad Ports of the Future Partnership.

The partnership is a joint infrastructure initiative by the United States, Australia, India and Japan, making Fiji the first Pacific Island nation to benefit from the grouping’s port investment programme.

“It will have to be the two major ones, Suva and Lautoka,” Mr Ditoka said yesterday.

“And then eventually we’ll probably spread it around – maybe Vanua Levu if you look north, and then maybe Levuka if the project goes that far.”

The Quad, a four-nation security and development grouping, announced the partnership during its Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, India.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the initiative as a practical response to insufficient port capacity across Pacific Island countries.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who visited Fiji weeks before the announcement, called it the strongest commitment the Quad had ever made to the Pacific.

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua welcomed the announcement, saying it reflected shared values and regional partnership.

“It’s a port facility. It’s good for the development of Fiji and the region,” he said.

He added that it would enhance regional security for everyone.

Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau said his ministry was part of ongoing consultations and welcomed the development as being consistent with Fiji’s long-term transport master plan.

Specific funding details and the project timeline are still being determined by the Prime Minister’s Office.