Taiwan is deepening its ties with Fiji through a new farming and education partnership, a modest but real win for Taiwan's shrinking diplomatic footprint in the Pacific.

• Taiwan's technical mission in Fiji and Fiji National University signed a memorandum covering student internships, staff exchanges and farm technology training.
• The plan includes a joint demonstration farm at the university's Koronivia campus, with Taiwan supplying seeds, modern irrigation and smart-farming equipment.
• Fiji wants to push "smart agriculture" over the next five years to pull young people back into farming.
• Taiwan has run a technical team in Fiji for close to 50 years, focused on food supply and coping with climate shocks.
• Fiji also plans to expand into fish farming and forestry sites on its northern island, with Taiwan expected to help.

Outlook: Expect the demonstration farm and student training programs to start rolling out over the coming year as both sides look to widen the partnership.