H.E. Sujiro Seam, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific,

H.E. John Williams, Australia’s Chargé d’affaires to Fiji,

Dr Filimon Manoni, Acting Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat,

Colleagues from UNCTAD

Colleagues On Line

Excellencies, Colleagues and Senior Officials,

 

INTRODUCTION

Bula Vinaka and good morning to everyone.

It is a pleasure to be here today for the launch of the first Pacific Edition of the Digital Economy Report (2022).

Let me start by stating that interconnectivity, integration and interdependence are critical for global economic growth and wellbeing.

When connectivity is threatened (as we saw during the Pandemic), we collectively suffer. Critical sectors such as Trade, Supply Chains, Investments and Travel and Tourism are affected, resulting in dampened demand and subsequent raising costs (leading to inflation and high cost of critical products).

So enhancing the Digital Economy provides an effective counter, as it makes us more resilient to such shocks.

 

GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We live in a rapidly transforming global economic landscape that requires us to transform and keep pace with the changes.

The World Bank estimates that the digital economy contributes to more than 15 percent of global GDP, growing two and a half times faster than the physical world GDP over the last decade.

The pandemic has shown us the immense power of technology — enabling us to work, learn, and communicate from anywhere in the world. Even now, as New Zealand goes through a state of emergency due to hurricane Gabrielle, school and work continue because we have at our disposal digital tools.

The pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of a resilient and adaptable economy, that can quickly pivot to meet new challenges.

In recent years, the Pacific has experienced a growing digital transformation, with the pandemic accelerating this.

As we speak, there is a digital revolution happening in the Pacific Region — giving us a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional development pathways and catch up with the rest of the world.

 

FIJI’s DIGITAL ADVANCEMENTS

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Fiji’s digital economy journey comes with its own challenges, like for most of us in the Pacific. However, we have made significant in-roads in creating a platform for the digital economy to rapidly evolve.

We have prioritized investments in our telecommunications infrastructure and expanded broadband coverage and redundancy — paving the way for increased internet penetration.

We also recognise that technical expertise is necessary to drive the digital economy. Thus, we have invested in training programmes and scholarships to build the digital  skills and capabilities in the workforce. But more needs to be done in terms of upskilling and reskilling, because some of the existing skills will become obsolete.

 

E-COMMERCE STRATEGY

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The growth of e-commerce has been one of the major successes, with online marketplaces emerging to meet the needs of the Fijian people looking to buy and sell online. Mobile money has also been a game-changer, with thousands of our people  now using digital wallets to transfer money, pay bills, and make purchases.

Given its importance, Fiji is currently working with partners to develop an e-commerce strategy that will guide the implementation of key economic policies in terms of digital trade. The strategy was initiated on the basis of another Regional initiative, led by Fiji and the Forum Secretariat, that mapped the national and regional E-commerce status and developed a roadmap for FICs as part of the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy priority.

 

IPEF MECHANISM

Fiji has also been a vocal advocate of digital inclusion. We recognise that the benefits of a digital economy can only be fully realised when there is widespread digital inclusion.

In terms of bridging the digital divide through regional cooperation, Fiji has joined Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and 10 other members from Asia, in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for Prosperity, which was launched in May last year.

The IPEF is a regional initiative aimed at promoting economic cooperation and integration in the Indo-Pacific region.

We recognise that economic competitiveness will be largely defined by the ability to harness technology, promote innovation and participate in the digital economy.

In this regard, the IPEF provides an excellent high-level platform for Fiji to represent the Pacific and leverage IPEF to accelerate digital transformation and facilitate doing business in the Pacific.

 

PACIFIC’S CHALLENGES AND  OPPORTUNITIES

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We, as the  Pacific, have unique challenges. But we also have unique opportunities. There is no one size fits all. That means, we require tailored solutions and a more holistic approach to building a digital economy that recognises cultural, social, and economic diversity. We must also foster regional collaboration to leverage our collective strength and drive innovation.

We have made significant strides in recent years towards building digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and developing digital skills. However, there is still much work to be done to fully realise the potential of the digital economy in our region.

Excellencies, Colleagues,

There are reports that indicate that in Asia-Pacific, there will be a fivefold increase in the business need for digital skills by 2025.

So there is an inherent need to invest in our people, build skills and knowledge to better integrate ourselves in the digital economy.

We also need to create an enabling environment that encourages digital entrepreneurship and hyper innovation. This gives way to new industries, promotes micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and foster economic growth in rural communities.

 

LAUNCH OF PACIFIC EDITION OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY REPORT

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Coming back to launch the Pacific Edition of the Digital Economy Report, the Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of the digital economy in the Pacific.

It highlights the opportunities and challenges facing the Pacific in embracing the digital economy. It showcases the various initiatives and programmes that our Region has implemented to promote a digital economy (our success stories) and identifies areas that need further investment and attention.

The Report provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of a digital economy, including increased productivity, innovation, job creation, and improved standards of living.

It clearly illustrates the importance of prioritizing robust digital infrastructure that enables businesses, entrepreneurs, and citizens to tap into these benefits.

As noted earlier, the digital divide between developed and developing countries is significant and is widening. It is critical that we work together to bridge this gap and ensure that everyone in the Region has access (equal access) to digital technologies, including women, youth, and marginalised communities.

 

CONCLUSION

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The launch of the Digital Economy Report for the Pacific is an exciting step forward for the region. It provides a roadmap for building a robust and inclusive digital economy that can propel us into the future.

I take this opportunity to thank the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for compiling this report and those who have contributed to the report. I would also like to express my gratitude for the financial support provided by the Australian Government and the European Union towards this project.

This report is an important contribution towards enhancing our understanding of the digital economy in the Pacific, and its potential to drive growth and development in the region.

We look forward to working with all stakeholders to bring this vision to life and create a prosperous digital future for the Pacific.

Vinaka Vakalevu. Thank you very much.