In an act of Pacific solidarity, Fiji has handed over recalibrated weight sets to Niue and Tuvalu, a gesture that not only strengthens legal metrology in the region but also reaffirms the value of purposeful collaboration.
A modest but deeply symbolic handover ceremony took place today, as the Government of Fiji, through its Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS), formally transferred standard mass sets to Niue and Tuvalu under the Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) Initiative. The transfer was facilitated by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and is part of a broader regional push to build robust national quality infrastructure systems that support fair trade, protect consumers, and align Pacific economies with global standards.
Permanent Secretary for Trade Mr. Shaheen Ali described the handover as “a gesture of trust, solidarity, and continuity,” underscoring its deeper meaning beyond technical value. “This handover is more than the transfer of equipment. It is an affirmation that even small contributions, when aligned with strategic purpose, can deliver lasting impact,” he said.
The standard mass sets, which range from 1 gram to 5 kilograms, were previously used in Fiji’s own legal metrology operations but were recently superseded by newer Class 2 weights. Rather than allowing the Class 3 sets to go unused, the Ministry saw an opportunity to repurpose them to support regional neighbours. Ahead of the handover, the sets were carefully recalibrated and certified for continued use.
“These weights will be essential in verifying and certifying the accuracy of weighing equipment used across local markets,” Mr. Ali said. “Precision in measurement is fundamental to fairness in the marketplace, public confidence, and economic activity.”
The weights will support metrology inspectors in Tuvalu and Niue across sectors such as retail trade, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing. Their deployment is expected to improve compliance, enhance consumer protection, and support reliable trade measurement systems.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Acting Secretary General, Mr. Esala Nayasi praised the initiative and Fiji’s leadership.
“This donation directly supports the operational needs of our Pacific metrology institutions and reinforces our shared vision of a stronger, more integrated Regional Quality Infrastructure,” he said.
The PQI Initiative is supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and regional development partners. It provides a strategic framework to strengthen capacity in metrology, standardisation, testing, and accreditation; key components of a functioning and trusted national quality infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted Fiji’s significant investment in its own metrology systems, with over $3.1 million allocated in the last two financial years to upgrade testing and measurement facilities.
Recent procurement include a One Tonne Mass Comparator, packaging scales, and an Axle Weigher Test Rig to support the Land Transport Authority’s enforcement of vehicle compliance standards.
“These investments are not just about compliance,” Mr. Ali explained. “They speak to our vision of a modern, resilient, and fair economy where infrastructure supports growth, safety, and trust.”
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Ali reaffirmed the value of regional cooperation and technical coordination. “Let us continue to work together to build fair, quality-assured, and resilient systems for our region, where development is truly inclusive and no country is left behind.”
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