Fiji, Oct. 15 -- Fiji is advancing plans to establish a shipbuilding and ship repair facility in Lautoka, with a feasibility study estimating capital costs at FJD$792 million (US$396 million).

Cabinet has endorsed the findings of the feasibility study, which identified Lautoka as the preferred location because of its proximity to existing port infrastructure and the availability of land.

The study projects the facility could generate FJD$2.7 billion (US$1.35 billion) in revenue against operating costs of FJD$2.4 billion (US$1.2 billion) over 30 years.

It recommends a public-private partnership (PPP) model to attract private sector financing and expertise, reduce the Government's financial exposure and support the project's long-term su...