Photo: European Values
What is happening?
Bananas are an essential diplomatic asset. At least in Fiji, where Taiwan–despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties with Suva–has made its footprint through supporting the island nation’s agriculture since 1978. Last June witnessed the opening of the Center for Agriculture Technology Transfer, a new location of the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in the outskirts of the Fijian capital. Indeed, bananas are one of the key projects of the Center, which seeks to support the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways’ efforts to revive the country’s banana market. Once a significant export commodity, its production has dwindled due to extreme weather phenomena and Yellow Sigatoka, a fungal disease.
Taiwan’s cooperation with Fiji demonstrates how the former can leverage its expertise in providing technical assistance and capacity-building to expand its international space despite China’s efforts to suppress and isolate the sovereign democracy.
What is the broader picture?
Since the Cold War, Taiwan has sought to leverage its model of agrarian development to project its modernity and technical prowess to international partners, seeking positive reputational externalities. Already in 1959, when Taiwan was still a net beneficiary of development assistance, primarily from the United States, Taipei established its first agricultural mission in the Republic of Vietnam to assist primarily with crop improvement and capacity building of farmers’ associations.
In Fiji, Taiwan established its first agricultural mission in 1978 in Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu, focusing on improving productivity of sugarcane farms, a critical cash crop. Today, the TTM is heaquartered in Nausori, in close proximity to the airport and the nation’s capital, increasing the visibility of Taiwan’s operations and facilitating synergies with third countries who are also active as development partners in Fiji. In light of the decline of the Fijian sugarcane industry (the share of sugar and molasses in the total volume of exports shrank from 38 percent in 1995 to 6.7 percent in 2023), Taiwan shifted its model to “fruit diplomacy,” successfully introducing new varieties of guava and dragonfruit. The comprehensive model of agricultural cooperation in cultivation of these crops does not stop merely with the introduction of new varieties, but also includes capacity building to develop an adaptable farming system, extend production volume and consistency, and unveil new commercial opportunities.
The current focus of TTM on bananas builds upon Taiwan’s rich experience in supporting adaptable cultivation of the fruit in response to diseases and the climate crisis. Fiji mainly grows the Cavendish variety – one of the most common cultivars whose monoculture renders it particularly vulnerable to disease and fungal outbreaks. As Fiji considers expanding export-oriented banana production in response to the continued shrinkage of sugarcane plantations, Taiwanese novel technique of tissue cultivation could positively contribute to economic development of the Pacific nation. The Taiwan Banana Research Institute in southern Taiwan boasts a strong track record in developing new resilient cultivars of bananas, whereas the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) has successfully implemented technical assistance projects for banana farmers in other countries, including Belize and Saint Lucia.
In the northern part of Viti Levu, Taiwan is also active in aquaculture, supporting white shrimp and rabbitfish cultivation at its Caboni Multi-Hatchery Station. Additionally, ICDF is also supporting a project focused on digitization in healthcare.
Why does it matter?
Given its international isolation amid China’s diplomatic belligerence, Taiwan is unable to build and maintain its global partnerships through traditional diplomatic channels. Consequently, its positive offer of pragmatic, issue-based development cooperation constitutes an important channel for engaging partners, especially those in the Global Majority. Particularly under Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe “Frank” Bainimarama (in office 2007-2022), China has been able to significantly expand its footprint in Fiji. Yet, the current three-party coalition has been more open to pursuing muted albeit substantive cooperation with Taiwan. Leaders from Fiji have visited Taiwan and have advocated on several occasions for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, according to diplomatic sources. Consequently, continued engagement between Taiwan and Fiji, particularly in key sectors of the latter’s economy, can lead to mutually beneficial cooperation, allowing the Asian nation to leverage its experience in agricultural innovation to boost its reputation, while helping the Pacific country diversify its export and secure more sustainable economic growth.
