Dr Radika Kumar appointed Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Business Development

The Public Service Commission (PSC), with the agreement of the Prime Minister, has appointed Dr Radika Kumar as the new Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Business Development.

PSC Chairman Luke Rokovada said Dr Kumar brings more than 18 years of national, regional and international leadership experience, supported by strong expertise in policy development, economic analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

Dr Kumar holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, a Master of Economics, undergraduate qualifications in Accounting and Financial Management and Economics, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of the South Pacific.

A career public servant, Dr Kumar began her service with the Government of Fiji and has held roles across several ministries and agencies, including the former Prices and Incomes Board, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Trade and Communication, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

She later represented Fiji internationally as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, where she played a key role in multilateral trade negotiations and advanced Fiji’s interests in global and regional forums.

The PSC said Dr Kumar’s appointment reflects confidence in her ability to provide strategic leadership to the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, particularly in advancing economic growth, trade, and private sector development.

Dr Kumar takes up the appointment with immediate effect.