Our
Markets
In each of our partner countries, MDF focuses on markets with the potential for commercial growth that will result in improved opportunities for the poor, women, men and disadvantaged groups.
MDF currently works in over 48 markets across its six countries. Details of what we focus on in each sector can be found here.
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism is a key economic sector in all MDF partner countries and contributes to foreign exchange generation, employment and national prosperity.
MDF works with tourism businesses of all sizes, destination management companies, national tourism bodies and travel associations to develop higher-value, sustainable tourism in the Indo-Pacific. Our work encompasses low-carbon tourism, marine tourism (yachting, cruises, diving, whale watching), destination marketing, and product and human resource development.
Sustainable tourism
Global trends indicate growing demand for more sustainable and responsible tourism. MDF invests with partners to understand and cater to this emerging segment. This includes measuring carbon emissions at tourist properties and developing emission-reduction strategies, developing low-carbon tourism products, investing in environmental protection, and increasing the participation of women and indigenous communities in tourism.
Agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture
Close to 80 per cent of annual global food production is by smallholder farmers, and agriculture is a key economic sector across all MDF partner countries. Innovation – through modern agricultural practices as well as technology – offers opportunities for business growth and smallholder income generation.
MDF collaborates with agribusinesses of all sizes to develop competitive, climate-resilient agricultural goods and services (including coffee, kava, livestock and inputs such as fertiliser, seeds and technology). Our work encompasses support for production, value-addition and processing, quality management, certification and market entry.
The agriculture sector is disproportionately affected by climate change. MDF collaborates with its partners to increase climate-resilience through improving farmers’ access to information and tools that can increase climate change adaptation. MDF is also exploring ways of increasing financing options for businesses and farmers looking to invest in climate-resilience.
Commodities
MDF is active in several agricultural commodity value chains. In Timor-Leste, MDF supports early-stage export commodities including seaweed and candlenut. Across Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, MDF works with partners in the kava, sandalwood and cocoa value chains. In Sri Lanka, MDF is exploring the potential of the mango sector.
In Timor-Leste and Sri Lanka, MDF works with coffee processors, roasters, farmers, large-scale plantation companies and government to improve coffee volumes and quality. Climate change poses a severe threat to coffee cultivation, particularly the Arabica variety grown at specific altitudes. MDF’s work with partners encompasses assessing the impact of climate change and building climate resilience among businesses and smallholders.
Livestock
MDF supports livestock, primarily the pig sector, in Timor-Leste and the Pacific region. Pigs are a source of wealth, an indicator of social status and an important food source, but are also highly vulnerable to disease and the impacts of climate change.
MDF works in the pigs and poultry sectors in Timor-Leste and Vanuatu, supporting improved feeding practices, better breeds, and disease management and prevention. In Samoa, MDF works with the government on managing the scourge of feral pigs, which cause significant damage to farmers’ crops and livelihoods.
Agricultural inputs
Agricultural inputs – seeds, fertiliser, crop and soil protection, as well as equipment and technology – are essential for increasing farm productivity and building climate resilience, which in turn generates higher farm incomes and contributes to food security. MDF focuses on making agricultural inputs more accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers, together with the information they need to use inputs more effectively and efficiently.
Business & financial services
Business &
Financial Services
MDF supports outsourcing services, which includes business process outsourcing (BPO) and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) in Fiji. MDF works with businesses, government and the industry association to strengthen marketing, industry advocacy and human resource development.
MDF has also supported enterprise solutions for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji, through commercial models for business accelerators and coworking spaces. In Pacific Regional, MDF works with partners in financial services to improve access to credit and digital financial services.
Markets are increasingly demanding and regulating emissions reporting and low-carbon business services. MDF works with outsourcing service providers to understand their exposure to sustainability reporting requirements, and invest in emissions monitoring, green certifications and emission reduction. Climate change will exacerbate the risk of extreme weather events, such as cyclones and floods, which have the potential to damage business-critical infrastructure and services. MDF supports the development of more climate-resilient facilities and business continuity plans.
Improved business services can provide opportunities for urban employment and women’s economic empowerment, while also mitigating the risk of skilled-labour migration.
Green energy
Green Energy
Countries are seeking new ways of channelling private investment into renewable energy sources, as a means of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring more reliable energy supply and meeting commitments made in Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation plans. Tourism-centric economies are looking to develop more sustainable experiences for travellers increasingly seeking green tourism options.
MDF supports renewable energy firms to assess market demand and reduces the risks of market entry for new products, such as rooftop solar systems, biogas installations and electric vehicles. We analyse the costs and benefits of adopting renewable technologies for businesses and households and are working with banks and other financial institutions to develop new financing models that can increase affordability for customers.
Other
MDF is continually analysing market trends and exploring opportunities in new sectors and markets that show potential.
Other markets being explored are primarily in the Pacific and currently include: business development services, inter-island shipping, business and economic policy, and food manufacturing.
Other
MDF is continually analysing market trends and exploring opportunities in new sectors and markets that show potential.
Other markets being explored are primarily in the Pacific and currently include: business development services, inter-island shipping, business and economic policy, and food manufacturing.
