Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that Google’s $566 million investment in Fiji is projected to generate over 3,600 jobs by 2030. The initiative is expected to boost Fiji’s GDP by approximately $250 million and enhance the country’s digital infrastructure through the establishment of four submarine cables, significantly improving connectivity across the Pacific region.
In a significant development for Fiji’s economy, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that Google’s recent investment of $566 million is expected to create over 3,600 jobs by the year 2030. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Google ICT Facility in Natadola, Mr. Rabuka emphasized that these positions would not merely be employment opportunities but also avenues for skill acquisition, meaningful contributions, and securing a prosperous future for the citizens of Fiji.
Furthermore, Mr. Rabuka noted the anticipated contribution of approximately $250 million to Fiji’s GDP by 2030, indicating the project’s substantial impact and scale. He remarked on how the investment is expected to enhance key sectors such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), thereby improving digital connectivity in the region.
Brian Quigley, Vice President of Google Network Infrastructure and Chairman of the Pacific Connect Initiative, shared technical insights about the project. He disclosed plans for establishing four submarine cables, including a connection from Natadola to Los Angeles, California, a cable extending to Valparaiso, Chile — which will mark the first connection between South America and the Indo-Pacific region, and additional cables aimed at connecting Fiji with Australia and Japan via Guam and the Mariannas.
Mr. Quigley described these cables as integral components of the Pacific Connect Initiative, which positions Fiji as a pivotal digital hub for connectivity across 18 islands and countries. He further highlighted the importance of the initiative by mentioning the impending landing of the first submarine cable in Tuvalu, an improvement from the current reliance on satellite connectivity.
This announcement follows a broader trend of improving digital infrastructure and connectivity across the Pacific Islands, which is vital for economic development. The investment from Google not only projects a substantial job creation but also signifies a transformative step towards enhancing the technological landscape in Fiji. As regions like the BPO and KPO sectors are gaining prominence, digital connectivity becomes increasingly critical for integrating these sectors into the global marketplace. Additionally, the Pacific Connect Initiative will significantly alter the region’s communication framework, fostering better internet access.
The investment by Google in Fiji represents a landmark opportunity for economic growth, with expectations of thousands of jobs and substantial GDP contributions by 2030. Enhanced digital infrastructure will play a crucial role in developing the tech sectors of Fiji, making the nation a key player in the Indo-Pacific digital economy. As the project unfolds, it will not only benefit Fiji but also enhance the connectivity of neighboring Pacific nations, promoting greater economic collaboration and advancement.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
