The Embassy is accredited to the United States, Canada and Mexico. Fiji’s Embassy in Washington D.C (shortened as FEW) is strategically placed amidst the world’s centre of “think tanks” where socio-economic and geo-political issues and events are discussed which, in some way or another, shape the turn of events for most world economies and their foreign policy directions. In that regard, FEW analy
ses the discussions and key decisions made at the executive and legislative branch of the US Government and highlights how these directly or indirectly affect the country’s socio-economic development, especially for line ministries and agencies that need to be aware of these developments. At the same time, FEW explores avenues to advance, promote and protect Fiji’s political and socio-economic interests through improved bilateral relations with continuous proactive engagements in a number of forums. These forums include the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Pacific Constituency, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and International Telecommunication Union (ITU)/ International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation(ITSO). Aside from these, FEW is engaged in continuous dialogues on the South Pacific Tuna Treaty (SPTT), US Trade Representative- Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), International Sugar Trade Coalition- (ISTC)- for countries that export sugar to the US, Peace Corp Volunteer Program and the East-West Center Scholarship Program (4 different types which Fiji students are eligible to apply). In addition to the East-West Center scholarship program, the Embassy will explore the other 602 higher education opportunities in the US that are available for students from Fiji, found on:
http://www.fundingusstudy.org/SearchResult.asp?area=7&area2=16&area3=205&aos=&com=&state=&spon=
Aside from these, FEW is tasked with collaborating closely with Fiji’s ‘Trade Commissioner’ and ‘Tourism Fiji’ Office in Los Angeles and Offices of Fiji Airways in Los Angeles and New York to ensure smooth coordination and collaboration on initiatives that pertain to their core deliverables. The Embassy provides consular assistance not only to the Fijian Diaspora communities in the US, Canada and Mexico, but also for those seeking assistance in travelling to, or investing in Fiji. FEW is also engaged in a number public diplomacy engagements within the diplomatic corps in the United States, and also in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). Finally, the Mission is closely linked to the activities of the Ministry’s Climate Change Division, the Department of Environment and related NGOs and agencies, because of its affiliation to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) - the overarching funding agency that looks after all Climate Change, Environment and Sustainable development issues and activities. In 2014 Fiji will, for the first time, be the Council Member of the Pacific Constituency of GEF and this is a very influential role in the financing of all GEF activities not only for Fiji but for the Pacific countries as well.
