Australia to invest $8.8m to boost Fiji jobs: Bishop

Small businesses in rural areas and outer islands of Fiji will receive a boost in jobs as a result of $8.8 million in Australian funding, the government says.

A fisherman off the coast Suva. (AFP/Getty Images)

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Australia will invest $8.8 million to boost job creation and support local business in Fiji.

The funding, over four years, is part of Australia's new aid policy, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says.

Ms Bishop, who was attending the Australian-run Market Development Facility in Fiji on Saturday, said the funding would seek to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

It should create jobs and new opportunities across the island nation - particularly in rural areas and outer islands, she said in a statement.