From economic trends to social insights, a new data portal has been launched to unlock access to Fiji’s official statistics, delivering open, user-friendly datasets underpinned by global best practice in statistical dissemination.

The Fiji Bureau of Statistics last week launched data.statsfiji.gov.fj, a hub offering access to the country’s most critical statistics. The portal allows users to easily search, preview and download official data—with full metadata and documentation—in open-access, easy-to-use formats.

Designed for everyone—from students to senior researchers and policymakers—the portal features intuitive navigation, integrated data previews, contextual information and, for technical users, API access to live datasets that can feed directly into spreadsheets, dashboards or apps.

The new data.statsfiji.gov.fj platform is the result of close collaboration between the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Pacific Community (SPC), Asian Development Bank and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). New Zealand’s Government supported SPC’s contribution as part of a broader initiative to enhance regional statistical and data capabilities.

The go-live follows Samoa’s data portal launch earlier this year, with Fiji and Samoa twinning in this project and partnering closely in the development process—deepening regional knowledge-transfer.

Built on the .Stat Suite, an open-source platform embraced by a growing network of global statistics agencies, the portal reflects a wider shift towards structured, interoperable and transparent statistical dissemination. The .Stat Suite is already used by organisations such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Stats NZ, the UK Data Service, the Pacific Data Hub, and others.

Speaking at last week’s launch event, Fiji Bureau of Statistics’ Deputy Government Statistician, Mr Apisalome Tamani, highlighted the strategic importance of the platform.

“The launch of this data portal marks a significant leap forward in how we manage, access and share information across government ministries, civil society and the private sector,” he said.

“We know that in the past, the challenge was not the lack of data—but the lack of access to usable, reliable and timely data. Today, we change that narrative. This portal has the potential to break down information silos, eliminate duplication and enhance collaboration across sectors.

“To the development partners—SPC, UN ESCAP, ADB—thank you for your support in bringing this vision to life. Your technical assistance and encouragement have made this initiative a reality, and we look forward to your continued partnership.”

The portal’s initial datasets span five thematic areas: balance of payments, national accounts and prices on the economic side, and tourism, migration and poverty indicators on the social front.

Over time, more datasets will be added. According to Mr Denis Grofils, Statistics Adviser for Process Modernisation at SPC’s Statistics for Development Division, the portal represents an important step in aligning with global best practice.

“Implementing the .Stat Suite and adopting SDMX means joining a global ecosystem of statistical standards,” said Mr Grofils, referring to the Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange standard—designed to promote consistency, efficiency and data interoperability.

“The Fiji Bureau of Statistics is now part of an international community of SDMX practitioners and .Stat users, contributing to a shared future of accessible, reliable data.”

The project was both ambitious and collaborative from the outset—combining the expertise of five organisations over the course of a year, involving four deep-dive workshops.

The portal’s cloud-hosted infrastructure also brings enhanced resilience in the face of disaster risk, joining Samoa in this regional first.

“This launch is a real milestone for Fiji,” said Mr Grofils. “It’s a great example of how open-source tools and best-practice ways of working can modernise how we share and use data.

“Fiji has placed itself at the forefront of data access among its peers, and we’re proud to have worked alongside them.”