\\ Suva, Fiji – 6 February 2026
The Fiji Australia Business Council (FABC) and the Market Development Facility (MDF) have formalised a new strategic partnership to strengthen the export readiness of Fiji’s agri-food manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The collaboration was confirmed today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Suva to deliver an Agri-Food Manufacturing SME Export Accelerator Program jointly. The initiative will support high-potential Fijian businesses in overcoming market-entry barriers and successfully expanding into the Australian market.
FABC President Himen Chandra and MDF Team Leader Oliver Mathieson.
The accelerator will provide tailored learning modules delivered through a mix of self-paced online content, interactive webinars, and in-person workshops. In addition, participating SMEs will receive targeted coaching and access to specialised regional and Australian technical expertise. Between six and ten SMEs are expected to participate in the first cohort.
FABC President Mr Himen Chandra said the partnership responds to a timely opportunity to strengthen Fiji’s export sector.
“Fiji’s agri-food manufacturers have significant potential to compete internationally, yet many face persistent challenges related to compliance, packaging, logistics, and market access.” Mr Chandra said.
Mr Chandra added that the initiative directly supports FABC’s strategic priorities, “Strengthening SME capability, promoting trade, and deepening commercial ties between Fiji and Australia are central to FABC’s mission. This accelerator translates those priorities into real action with measurable outcomes for local businesses.”
MDF Fiji Country Director Ms Kelera Cavuilati said, “Through this accelerator, MDF is supporting FABC to give Fijian agri-food manufacturers practical, structured, hands-on support and Australian market insights through FABC’s strong Fiji–Australia business networks. Successful exports mean stronger businesses, new jobs, and more resilient value chains in Fiji’s manufacturing sector. That is the long-term outcome we are working toward.”
The programme will be delivered in close collaboration with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), utilising its established Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE) model to ensure strong industry engagement and private-sector leadership.
Participants will benefit from a comprehensive package of support covering areas such as export compliance, quality standards, product development, branding, logistics, and market-entry strategies, helping them build sustainable pathways into the Australian market.
Both organisations emphasised that the partnership aims to strengthen commercial linkages between Fiji and Australia, increase export sales, and contribute to the competitiveness and growth of Fiji’s agri-food manufacturing sector.
Applications for the inaugural accelerator cohort are expected to open in the coming weeks.
L-R: Lauren Robinson (MDF), Mark Halabe (FABC Board Executive), Emily Wison (DFAT), Saud Minam (FABC Vice President), Glenis Yee (FABC Board Executive), Himen Chandra (FABC President), Oliver Mathieson (MDF Team Leader), Kelera Cavuilati (MDF Country Director, Fiji), Lisa Apted (FABC Board Executive) and Christine Lyons (FABC Board Executive). Picture: The Greenhouse Studio.
