Fiji to sign ports deal with Australia in shipbuilding boost

Fiji will strike a deal with Australia to upgrade ports and shipbuilding infrastructure, months after its prime minister said it was likely to partner with China on the project, the government of the Pacific Islands nation said on Thursday. Fiji's government said its cabinet had agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Australia for the project, after Australia committed to financing. "The revival of the shipbuilding industry in Fiji has been articulated as a key priority," Fiji's government said in a statement.