The Fijian Government and the United States will continue to strategise growth and strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations despite the challenges posed by the unprecedented disruptions to global economies.
This was part of discussions between Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya and US ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella during a courtesy visit to Mr Koya yesterday.
In a statement yesterday, Government said the two also discussed ways to collaborate.
“This includes reciprocal enhancement of market access for agricultural products, diversification and value addition, expansion of new and existing business opportunities and capacity building for regulatory agencies and traders,” Government said in a statement.
“Deepening this collaboration would pay dividends in other areas, translating into greater opportunities for Fiji.”
According to Government, emphasis was placed on the progress made in relation to a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the platform it presents for better and more focused engagements.
The two also committed to working in partnership to facilitate and pursue sustainable and innovative trade and investment opportunities of mutual interest.
Presently, the US government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $905,400 in immediate shelter assistance and critical relief items to support the response to TC Harold through partners on the ground in Fiji.
Additionally, the US government is monitoring and assessing the impact of COVID-19 in the Pacific and through USAID, is providing more than $6.8million to assist communities in their response towards this global pandemic.
Government also stated that through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Fiji would continue to pursue dialogue with its trading partners to ensure continuity of trade flows.
